HB528 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rod Scott

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Public officers, providing of certified copies of public writings, civil penalties imposed for not producing the copies under certain conditions, Sec. 36-12-41 am'd.

Summary

HB528 would make public officers personally liable for civil penalties if they refuse to provide a court-ordered public writing or document.

What This Bill Does

It amends Section 36-12-41 to require public officers to provide certified copies of public writings on demand, with such copies admissible as evidence. It adds that a public officer who refuses to release a public writing or document when ordered by a court would be personally liable for civil penalties of $100 per day for each day of refusal, in addition to the court's contempt powers. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and approval.

Who It Affects

• Public officers who custody public writings — would face personal civil penalties if they fail to comply with court orders to release documents.
• Citizens seeking access to public writings and the court system — may see stronger enforcement of court orders to obtain copies.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 36-12-41(a): public officers must provide certified copies of public writings on demand; copies are admissible as evidence.
• Adds Section 36-12-41(b): any public officer who refuses a court-ordered release or provision of a public writing is personally subject to civil penalties of $100 per day, in addition to contempt powers.
• Section 2: establishes the act's effective date as the first day of the third month after passage/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

Public Officers and Employees