SB152 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Larry Dixon

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Public records, official required to provide copy within five working days of request, reasonable fees authorized, Sec. 36-12-41 am'd.

Summary

SB152 would require public offices to provide copies of public records within five business days and allow fees based on actual costs for access, duplication, supply, and search.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the bill amends the public records law to require a public official with custody of a public writing to deliver a copy within five business days of a request. It allows the official to charge a reasonable fee that covers the actual costs of accessing, duplicating, supplying, and searching for the record, with duplication fees not exceeding the cost of duplication. The copy would be admissible as evidence just like the original writing. The act would take effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Citizens requesting copies of public writings, who would receive copies within five business days and may be charged fees based on actual costs.
• Public offices and agencies that hold public writings, which would need to provide copies within the deadline and could charge fees only up to the actual costs incurred.

Key Provisions

• Public official must provide a copy within five business days of the request.
• Public official may charge a reasonable fee for accessing, duplicating, supplying, and searching for the writing, limited to actual costs.
• Duplication fees may not exceed the actual cost of duplication.
• Copies produced under the act are admissible as evidence with the same effect as the original writing.
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month following passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Public Records