(a) On or after April 22, 2021, an individual qualifying for election to the office of sheriff in the county or any individual appointed to serve as a sheriff shall meet all of the following minimum qualifications, in addition to any other qualifications required by law:
(1) Is a citizen of the United States.
(2) Has been a resident of the county for at least one year immediately prior to the qualification date.
(3) Has the qualifications of an elector pursuant to state and federal law and has been registered to vote in the county for at least one year immediately prior to qualifying.
(4) Has been awarded a high school diploma or a GED equivalent.
(5) Is 25 years of age or older prior to qualifying.
(6) Has three or more years of full-time prior service as a law enforcement officer having the power of arrest, which service is certified by the Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission.
(7) Has not been retired or separated from full-time active law enforcement certified through the Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission for more than two consecutive years from the date of qualifying, or in the event the individual has been retired or separated from active law enforcement for more than two consecutive years, has obtained a recertification of full-time active law enforcement status as a law enforcement officer from the Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission prior to the date of qualifying.
(8) 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.
(b) Upon election, the sheriff of the county shall attend annually a minimum of 20 hours of executive level continuing education approved by the Alabama Sheriffs Association, National Sheriffs' Association, or any other recognized executive level continuing education program designed for law enforcement.