Remaining ACCA priority bills signed into law
This past week, the three remaining bills on ACCA’s 2025 priority list were signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey. Act 2025-366 by Sen. Will Barfoot and Rep. Russell Bedsole provides for a Probate Judge or Sheriff (or Sheriff’s designee) serving on a local mental health “310 board” to also be seated on that board’s executive committee. Act 2025-373 by Rep. Ed Oliver and Sen. Jay Hovey creates a process for interested 911 centers in Alabama to contractually (and voluntarily) coordinate operational services. And lastly, Act 2025-376 by Rep. Ed Oliver and Sen. Lance Bell creates a process for the State 911 Board to more efficiently provide so-called 911 cost recovery funds to Alabama’s emergency communications districts. All of the aforementioned new laws will take effect October 1, 2025.
County Commissions encouraged to select representative for ACCA 2025-2026 Legislative Committee
Attention, County Commission Members and Administrators! With the 2025 Regular Session of the Alabama Legislature now complete, it’s time for County Commissions to begin the process of selecting their representative for the 2025-2026 ACCA Legislative Committee. The work of the 67-member Legislative Committee is essential to the policy success of all Alabama counties, so each county is encouraged to nominate its most engaged and enthusiastic representative. ACCA bylaws require each county to submit by August 1 the name of its chosen representative only after approval by a majority vote of the commission. For this reason, counties are encouraged to place this item on one of their summer commission meeting agendas for a vote and, afterward, submit this completed form to ACCA Policy and Member Services Assistant Lisa Fiore.
IAC Operations Council to meet Wednesday
Members of the Investing in Alabama Counties Operations Council will come together in the Capital City this Wednesday to discuss the latest updates involving county utilization of American Rescue Plan Act dollars. While together, the 42-member council will discuss recent successes in funding obligations and reporting deadlines and focus on next steps for continuing to comply with federal guidelines while transforming their local communities.
Liability Insurance Board to convene Thursday
Members of the Board of Trustees for the ACCA Liability Self-Insurance Fund will gather in Montgomery this week for the Board’s next regularly scheduled meeting. The meeting will feature discussions on expenses involving law enforcement in addition to coverage for county property and cybersecurity. The meeting will be led by Board President and Randolph County Commissioner Larry Roberts.
ACCA staff to represent counties in Alabama court cost study
Later today, ACCA staff will represent Alabama counties at the very first meeting of Alabama’s Joint Interim Study Commission on Court Costs. Established by the State Legislature during the 2025 Session, the commission will be charged with studying Alabama court costs and making recommendations on how these costs can become more uniform throughout the state. In addition to ACCA staff, commission members include leaders from the Alabama House of Representatives, Alabama Senate and Alabama Supreme Court; various circuit judges and circuit clerks; and various district judges and district attorneys. Complete details on the commission, which was established by resolution, can be found here.
Corrections Officers to participate in May 21-22 de-escalation training
This week, Corrections Officers from across the state will gather in Prattville to receive specialized training made available through the ACCA Self-Insurance Funds’ Safety Incentive Discount Program. Scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, the “Verbal De-Escalation: Surviving Verbal Conflict” class will be the third of five classes offered to Corrections Officers this year. Additional class details can be found here, and any questions can be answered by contacting the County Risk Services Member Services Team.