1. (a) On or after June 1, 2024, an individual qualifying for election to the office of sheriff in Mobile County or any individual appointed to serve as a sheriff in the county shall meet all of the following minimum qualifications, in addition to any other qualifications required by law:

   1. (1) Is a citizen of the United States.
   2. (2) Has been a resident of the county for at least one year immediately prior to the qualification date.
   3. (3) Has the qualifications of an elector pursuant to state and federal law and has been registered to vote in the county at least one year immediately prior to qualifying.
   4. (4) Has been awarded a high school diploma or a GED equivalent.
   5. (5) Is 25 years of age or older prior to qualifying.
   6. (6) Has five or more years of prior service as a sworn law enforcement officer having the power of arrest.
   7. (7) Has never been convicted of a felony criminal offense in this state or convicted of a criminal offense in another jurisdiction where a conviction of the offense would be considered a felony offense in this state.
   8. (8) Has an associate degree or preferably a bachelor’s degree.
2. (b) Upon election or appointment, the sheriff of the county shall attend annually a minimum of 12 hours of executive level continuing education approved by the Alabama Sheriffs Association or the National Sheriffs’ Association, or any other recognized executive level continuing education program designed for law enforcement.

(Act 2024-313, §§2-3.)