SB 298 Alabama Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Class 3 Municipalities; minimum staffing requirements for law enforcement agencies, mandated; grace period, established; state assumption of oversight for violations, provided

This bill requires Alabama's smallest cities (Class 3 municipalities) to maintain at least two full-time police officers for every 1,000 residents, based on the 2020 census. Cities not meeting this standard by October 1, 2026, receive a five-year grace period to gradually increase staffing by at least 10% annually. If a city fails to comply after the grace period, Alabama's law enforcement agency (ALEA) can take operational control, create a correction plan, deploy state officers, or appoint a chief officer. The state may also seek reimbursement from the city for costs incurred during oversight. The law would take effect on October 1, 2026.

Issues: ✓ Criminal Justice

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Apr 2026

Senate Passage

Mar 2026

House Passage

Governor

Introduced Feb 12, 2026 Last action Apr 1, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced → Engrossed · 5 edits · Mar 31, 2026

MODERATE

The bill was updated from 'Introduced' to 'Engrossed' status, incorporating several substantive changes to strengthen enforcement and clarify reporting. The minimum staffing ratio was lowered slightly from two to 1.9 officers per 1,000 residents. The oversight section was expanded to include new actions like appointing a Chief Administrative Law Enforcement Officer and entering cooperative agreements. Reporting requirements were made more specific, and the restitution process was detailed to include hourly rates and non-personnel costs.

Scope change

The bill's scope remains focused on Class 3 municipalities in Alabama, but the specific compliance thresholds and oversight mechanisms have been modified to include more detailed administrative controls and financial restitution.

REQUIREMENT

The required minimum staffing ratio was reduced from two officers to 1.9 officers per 1,000 residents.

New reporting requirements mandate that the governing body and chief of police submit annual reports to the Secretary of ALEA during the grace period.

ENFORCEMENT

New enforcement powers were added, allowing the state to appoint a Chief Administrative Law Enforcement Officer and enter cooperative agreements with other jurisdictions.

FISCAL

The restitution petition process was expanded to require detailed documentation of hourly rates, fringe benefits, mileage, and non-personnel operational costs.

TIMELINE

The timeline for compliance and oversight duration was clarified, specifying that oversight continues for 365 days after the municipality achieves compliance.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Apr 1, 2026

Lower · Passed

Reported Out of Committee Second House

lower

Mar 31, 2026

Lower · Passed

Pending Committee Action in Second House (Public Safety and Homeland Security)

lower

Mar 31, 2026

Upper · Passed

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 983

upper

Mar 31, 2026

Upper · Passed

Petition To Cease Debate- Adopted Roll Call 981

upper

Mar 31, 2026

Upper · Passed

Albritton motion to Adopt- Adopted Roll Call 982

upper

Mar 31, 2026

Introduced

Albritton 1st Amendment Offered

upper

Feb 24, 2026

Upper · Passed

Reported Out of Committee House of Origin

upper

Feb 12, 2026

Upper · Passed

Pending Committee Action in House of Origin (County and Municipal Government)

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors