Public hearing held on SB 287 to tighten sheriff qualifications; committee takes no vote

Sen. Beasley opened a public hearing on Senate Bill 287 on sheriff qualifications, saying he sponsored the bill "because I think it's a good bill." The committee heard more than a half-dozen speakers from Barbour County and neighboring jurisdictions who offered both support and opposition. No committee vote was taken at the hearing; committee leaders said the bill could be moved later in the session.

The bill would add training and certification requirements for candidates for sheriff in some counties. Supporters, including Sheriff Cameron Smith of Barbour County, told the committee that rising crime and more complex policing duties make law enforcement experience important for a sheriff. "With crimes the way they are now, it's vital that you have the second highest law enforcement officer next to the district attorney's office in that county to have some experience," Sheriff Cameron Smith said. Supporters also said some provisions in the bill were revised after meetings with local officials and that the bill’s recency requirement conforms with parts of existing state…