Ala. Code § 45-59-230.01: Qualifications; Continuing Education.

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

(1) The individual is a citizen of the United States.

(2) The individual has been a resident of the county for at least one year before the qualification date or being appointed to the office.

(3) The individual has been awarded a high school diploma or GED equivalence.

(4) The individual is 30 years of age or older.

(5) The individual has at least five years of experience as a full-time law enforcement officer as certified by the Alabama Peace Officers’ Standards and Training Commission.

(6) The individual has never been convicted of a felony.

(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.