1. (a) For the purposes of this section, the term “commission” means the Alabama Peace Officers’ Standards and Training Commission.

2. (b) Beginning June 1, 2025, any individual seeking to qualify for election to the office of Sheriff of Barbour County or any individual appointed to serve as Sheriff of Barbour County shall meet all of the following minimum qualifications in addition to any other qualifications required by law:

   1. (1) The individual is a citizen of the United States.
   2. (2) The individual has been a resident of Barbour County for at least one year immediately prior to the qualification date or appointment date.
   3. (3) The individual has the qualifications of an elector pursuant to state and federal law and has been registered to vote in Barbour County for at least one year immediately prior to the qualification date or appointment date.
   4. (4) The individual is 25 years of age or older prior to the qualification date or appointment date.
   5. (5) The individual has at least five years of prior full-time service as a law enforcement officer having the power of arrest, certified by the commission.
   6. (6) The individual has never been convicted of a felony criminal offense in this state nor been convicted of a criminal offense in another jurisdiction which would qualify as a felony if committed in this state.
   7. (7) The individual is currently certified by and in good standing with the commission on the qualification date or appointment date.
   8. (8) The individual has not been retired or separated from full-time active law enforcement, certified by the commission, for more than five consecutive years immediately prior to the qualification date or appointment date; or the individual has obtained a recertification of full-time active law enforcement status as a law enforcement officer from the commission.

(Act 2025-360, §1.)