We have the same problem in North Carolina

Internal Sheriffs Association email shows that money drives pistol permit law

The North Carolina Sheriff's Association opposed any repeal of the Jim Crow Pistol Purchase Permit I believe in part because they'll lose the fees. They other part for some Sheriff's is they'll lose the ability to say no to applicants they don't like. The last attempt to kill it died because of opposition by the NCSA. This problem isn't Alabama's alone.