WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 183

Road intersection safety.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by David Abbott and 4 co-sponsors

Senate Bill 183 allows the Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe to hire certified police officers, enhancing safety and security for residents on tribal lands.

Returned to the Senate with amendments
#agriculture;crops #agriculture;generally #civillawandprocedure;liabilities #damages #andpenalties #property;generally #transportation;infrastructure;highways #roads #andstreets #transportation;landcraft #transportation;trafficrules #regulations #penalties #andviolations
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 183

Summary of Senate Bill 183

Bill Number: SB 183
Title: Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe; Authorization to Hire a Police Officer
Status: Enacted
Introduced: February 20, 2025
Effective Date: October 1, 2025
Subject: Public Safety & Emergencies

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 183 was enacted to authorize the Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe to employ certified police officers. The primary intent of the bill is to enhance public safety and security within the tribe's reservation by allowing the tribe to establish its own law enforcement presence. This legislation addresses the lack of police protection for tribal property and residents, thereby ensuring their safety and the integrity of tribal lands.

Key Provisions

  1. Employment of Police Officers:

    • The Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe's council is empowered to hire one or more certified police officers.
    • These officers must meet the requirements set by the Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission.

  2. Duties and Powers:

    • Tribal police officers will have the authority to:
      • Eject trespassers from tribal property.
      • Arrest individuals for disorderly conduct or trespassing without a warrant.
      • Arrest individuals for felonies committed on the reservation, with a lawful warrant.
      • Bring arrested individuals before a court with jurisdiction.

  3. Limitations of Authority:

    • The powers of the tribal police officers are limited to the reservation boundaries.
    • Officers may only act outside the reservation under specific conditions, such as pursuing a suspect or making a felony arrest.

  4. Funding:

    • The bill stipulates that no state or local funds allocated for law enforcement purposes shall be used to support the salaries or operations of the tribal police officers.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:

    • The legislation directly impacts the Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe, its members, and residents within the reservation.
    • It provides a framework for law enforcement that is tailored to the needs of the tribe, enhancing safety and security for all individuals on tribal lands.

  • Financial Implications:

    • According to fiscal notes, the enactment of SB 183 will not directly affect state or local funding, indicating that the tribe will be responsible for the financial aspects of hiring and maintaining its police force.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 20, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary.
  • March 6, 2025: Bill read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security.
  • April 29, 2025: Bill passed the House and was delivered to the Governor for signature.
  • May 6, 2025: Bill officially enacted.

This legislation marks a significant step for the Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe in establishing its own law enforcement capabilities, thereby enhancing the safety and security of its community.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.