SB4 Alabama 2011 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Ben H. Brooks
Republican
Co-Sponsors: Trip Pittman Rusty Glover
Session: Regular Session 2011
Title: Homeowners insurance, rate filings and related actuarial information for homeowners property insurance coverage in Alabama are public record, review available in office of Insurance Commissioner and via Insurance Department Internet website, exceptions regarding confidential information (2011-21029)
Summary: SB4 would make all homeowners insurance rate filings and related actuarial information public records in Alabama, with limited confidentiality protections for certain trade-secret data.
What This Bill Does
If enacted, all rate filings and related actuarial information for Alabama homeowners insurance filed after the act’s effective date would be public information and available for review in the Insurance Commissioner’s office and online. The bill provides an exception for proprietary actuarial analyses or other information legally restricted as trade secrets, which would remain confidential and be submitted separately; such information could only be released with a court order and would be kept in a separate, clearly marked portion of the records with at least 10 days’ notice before any court action. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after it passes and is approved.

Who It Affects
Homeowners insurance companies and their rate filers: their rate filings and related actuarial information would become public, with confidential trade-secret data shielded unless a court orders disclosure and proper confidentiality procedures are followed.
Alabama residents, consumers, researchers, and the general public: they would gain access to public rate filings and related information through the Insurance Commissioner’s office and the Department of Insurance website, subject to the confidentiality rules for trade secrets.

Key Provisions
Public disclosure: All rate filings and related actuarial information for homeowner's insurance filed after the act’s effective date are public information and available in Montgomery and online.
Confidential data exception: Proprietary actuarial risk analyses, forecasting data, or other information restricted by statute or rule may be kept confidential as trade secrets, must be submitted separately with confidentiality designations, and cannot be released without a court order; such data is maintained separately from public records and requires 10 business days' notice for court-related requests.
Effective date: The act takes effect 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: Insurance Department