The Alabama Legislature is starting a massive reorganization of Alabama's law enforcement programs that proponents predict will save millions.
The Senate voted 17-2 Tuesday night to grant final approval to a law enforcement reorganization bill developed by Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh, R-Anniston, and Republican Gov. Robert Bentley. The bill now goes to the governor for signing into law.
Marsh said the legislation addresses 14 law enforcement programs. He estimated it should save $35 million annually after full implementation in January 2015 through less administrative costs, coordinated procurement and other changes.
The bill reorganizes law enforcements programs into a Cabinet-level agency called the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency. It will have two units.
One unit, called the Department of Public Safety, will include major portions of the existing Department of Public Safety.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.