City of Montgomery, AL

02/17/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/17/2026 12:32

Understand HB36 and Its Impact on Local Governance

Disclaimer: The City of Montgomery provides this information to help residents understand proposed state legislation that could affect local governance.

Overview

HB36 is a proposed state law that would allow the Attorney General and Governor to appoint an interim police chief under certain conditions. This change impacts how public safety leadership is structured and who is accountable to Montgomery's citizens.

FAQ

1. What is HB36?

  • HB36 would allow the Attorney General and Governor, acting jointly, to appoint an interim police chief for up to six months if specific statutory conditions are met.
  • Under the bill, state officials must:
    • Review federal, state, and local crime statistics.
    • Determine that staffing levels are at least 30% below the department's average staffing over the preceding 10 years.
    • Consult with the local district attorney.
    • Consult with the county sheriff.
    • Consult with victims of crimes committed within the municipality.
    • Determine that a particular and ongoing threat to public safety exists.

2. How would HB36 change Montgomery's governance structure?

  • The appointment authority would shift from local municipal leadership to state officials during the interim period.
  • Leadership reporting structures would change during the interim appointment.
  • The bill establishes a mechanism for state-level appointment authority under defined conditions.

3. Does this mean Montgomery is unsafe?

  • No. This is about governance structure-not crime statistics.

4. Will the city still fund the police department?

  • Yes. HB36 requires municipalities to continue funding the police department at a level commensurate with the average of the five preceding fiscal years and to maintain agreements necessary for the department's operation. If a municipality fails to meet these requirements, state officials may determine that the city is not in compliance, which could affect eligibility for certain state funds.

5. How can residents share their views?

  • Contact your local legislators (HOUSE | SENATE).
  • Attend public hearings.
  • Follow updates on the city's official channels.

6. Could the county sheriff be appointed instead?

  • Yes. HB36 allows the Attorney General and Governor to appoint the county sheriff to assume the duties of interim police chief rather than appointing another individual.

What HB36 Does and Does Not Do

  • HB36 addresses governance structure.
    It changes appointment authority under certain conditions. It does not set crime statistics or determine crime rates.
  • Under HB36, interim leadership would report to state officials.
    The interim chief would report to the Attorney General and Governor during the appointment period. The interim chief would also be required to provide semi-monthly status reports to the mayor and city council.
  • The bill establishes a new state-level appointment framework.
    This framework would apply to any municipality meeting the criteria outlined in the legislation.
  • Municipal funding responsibilities remain.
    Cities would still be required to maintain funding levels for the police department.
City of Montgomery, AL published this content on February 17, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on February 17, 2026 at 18:32 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]