Law enforcement, authorizes Attorney General or Governor to appoint interim police chief subject to certain conditions
Impact
The bill will introduce specific procedures for municipalities facing staffing shortages in their police departments. If enacted, it mandates the interim police chief operate autonomously from local government officials, ensuring enhanced authority to manage the police department without local interference. Additionally, it requires municipalities to maintain funding levels commensurate with the previous five fiscal years, thereby supporting sustained police operations during the interim period.
Summary
House Bill 14 aims to enhance public safety by allowing the Alabama Attorney General or Governor to appoint an interim police chief in certain municipalities where there is a significant decline in law enforcement personnel. Specifically, the bill enables such appointments when a municipality's police department has 30% fewer officers than the average in the past decade and when there is a determined ongoing threat to public safety. The intention behind this provision is to ensure continuous law enforcement oversight and effectiveness in the face of declining police resources.
Contention
One potential area of contention revolves around the control and authority of local municipalities versus state intervention. Critics may argue this bill undermines local governance by enabling the state to unilaterally appoint police leadership without input from city councils or mayors. Supporters of the bill contend that such measures are necessary for public safety, especially in municipalities that are struggling with a significant decrease in law enforcement personnel, thus prioritizing the community's safety above bureaucratic processes.
District attorneys and retired district attorneys, calculation of retirement benefits, authorized to advise law enforcement; civil immunity provided; return to work after retirement without loss of benefits; rural recruitment and retention program established
Department of Transportation; Governor to authorized to create State Transportation Commission; Commission authorized to appoint Director of Transportation
Local land bank authorities, tax sale property acquisitions, tax exemption for acquired properties, tax revenue allocation, conveyance to state and local governments, multijurisdictional land bank authorities, Governor authorized to create upon state of emergency.
Crimes and offenses; authorizes law enforcement officer to demand suspect's date of birth in certain circumstances, criminalizes providing false date of birth to law enforcement