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Senate panel gives favorable report to 'high noon' bill moving sheriff's assumption of office to noon
Summary
A Senate committee gave a favorable report to House Bill 324, which would change sheriffs' official start time after elections from midnight to noon, citing safety and operational concerns.
House Bill 324, introduced by Representative Sells, was given a favorable report by a Senate committee after members agreed to move the sheriff’s official assumption of office from midnight to noon.
Representative Sells told the committee that sheriffs and county officials in several counties had reported safety and operational problems when a newly elected sheriff took office at midnight. "We've had things like we've had them to get there and all the batteries be out of the cars. We've had them get there and the keys be missing to every car," Sells said, arguing that transitioning at noon would reduce risks that happen "in the dark."
Sells said he had discussed the change with the Sheriffs Association, which was "okay with that." Senator Hatcher moved the favorable report, and Senator Chambliss seconded; the committee adopted the motion and used the previous roll, reporting the bill favorably.
Committee discussion focused on practical benefits for incoming sheriffs and operational concerns; the bill does not itself appropriate funds. The committee’s favorable report advances the measure to the next stage of consideration.
