HB608 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Dexter Grimsley

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Open Records Act, government official response to a citizen's request regarding a public record or records, time limit

Summary

HB608 would set firm deadlines for Alabama government responses to Open Records requests and establish enforcement and liability rules if records aren’t provided.

What This Bill Does

The official in control of a public record must decide within 10 business days whether the record is subject to access, and after that determination, must notify the requester within 15 days whether the records are available for inspection and copying. If the records are not provided within 30 business days, the requester may file a lawsuit in the Circuit Court of Montgomery County to compel production. If a court finds lack of substantial justification, it may award the requester reasonable attorney's fees and other costs; officials acting in good faith are protected from liability; the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage.

Who It Affects

• Public record requesters (citizens, businesses, and organizations) would gain a defined timeline for responses and the ability to pursue a court order to obtain records, with potential recovery of attorney’s fees if records aren’t provided or properly justified.
• Government officials and public agencies would be required to meet the deadlines and could face court actions and potential attorney’s fees against them if they act without substantial justification; officials acting in good faith are protected from liability.

Key Provisions

• 10 business days to determine whether a public record is subject to access.
• 15 days after the determination to notify the requester if the records are available for inspection and copying.
• 30 business days for a requester to file a lawsuit to compel production if records are not provided.
• If a court finds lack of substantial justification, it may award the requester reasonable attorney's fees and costs; good-faith officials are not liable for providing access.
• Effective date: the first day of the third month after passage and governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Records