1. (a) After September 1, 2023, any individual qualifying for election to the office of Sheriff of Hale County, or any individual appointed to serve as Sheriff of Hale County, in addition to any other qualifications required by law, shall meet all of the following qualifications:

   1. (1) Is a citizen of the United States.
   2. (2) Has been a resident of Hale County for at least one year before the qualification date or being appointed to the office.
   3. (3) Is a qualified elector pursuant to law and has been registered to vote in Hale County for at least one year before the qualification date or being appointed to the office.
   4. (4) Is 25 years of age or older upon the qualification or appointment date.
   5. (5) Has been awarded a high school diploma or GED equivalence.
   6. (6) Has at least three years of experience as a full-time law enforcement officer as certified by the Alabama Peace Officers’ Standards and Training Commission.
   7. (7) Has never been convicted of a felony.
2. (b) Upon election or appointment, the sheriff shall annually attend a minimum of 12 hours of executive level continuing education approved by the Alabama Sheriffs Association or the National Sheriffs’ Association. Proof of attendance shall be filed with the judge of probate of the county by December 31 of each year.

(Act 2023-349, §1.)