SB107 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Public records, use of camera or electronic device to make copies of, public officer prohibited from charging copy fee, Sec. 36-12-40 am'd.

Summary

SB107 would let people copy public records with their own camera or electronic device without paying a copying fee.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, public officers cannot charge a copying fee when a member of the public uses a personal camera or electronic device to copy a public record. A reasonable service fee can be charged if the copy requires redacting information, and a paper-copy cost may be charged to redact identifying information before making the record public. Public officers may restrict use of the device only if it unduly interferes with operations, and the rule does not apply to records already available digitally; some records, like those involving critical infrastructure, are exempt from disclosure. Probate courts are not covered by this act, and the change applies to Section 36-12-40 with an August-style effective date after passage.

Who It Affects

• Public citizens who request records, who would be able to copy records using their own devices without paying a copy fee.
• Public offices/records custodians, who must permit personal-device copying, may charge limited fees for redaction or printing required to redact information, and must apply interference and exemption rules.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits charging a copying fee when a public record is copied with a personal camera or other electronic device; if the record is already available digitally, the rule may not apply.
• Allows a reasonable service fee for redacting information or for paper copies necessary to redact identifying information; public officials may deny use of a personal device only if it unduly interferes with operations; includes exemptions for digital-only records and critical infrastructure information; probate courts are excluded; effective date set after passage.

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