A bill that would give the governor and attorney general power to hire police chiefs in Alabama cities will be considered again when lawmakers return to the capital in 2026.

State Rep. Reed Ingram, R-Montgomery, has prefiled a bill empowering the governor and attorney general to collectively appoint an interim police chief for six months when a city’s crime rates increase and police numbers dwindle.

“The bill was not intended for anything political,” he told AL.com . “It’s not about Republicans, it’s not about Democrats. It doesn’t have to be taken over. It’s about public safety and working together.”

While a different version of Ingram’s bill died in the last legislative session, talk of its return is a hotly debated topic in the Birmingham mayoral contest.

“Citizens of Birmingham

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