HB318 Alabama 2016 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Phil Williams
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2016
Title: School safety, records relating to, are exempt from disclosure to public pursuant to rights to inspect public records, Sec. 36-12-40 am'd.
Summary: HB318 would expand public records exemptions to shield more school safety information from public disclosure.
What This Bill Does
The bill amends Section 36-12-40 to exempt additional information about school security from public inspection. It covers security measures on school property, alarm systems, camera numbers and placements, security staff, security contracts, security schedules, school bus security details, and security plans or systems, including critical infrastructure and critical energy infrastructure information. It also requires public officials to notify infrastructure owners and allow them to comment when a request involves critical infrastructure, and it specifies that these records would remain exempt if disclosure could harm public safety or welfare. The exemptions take effect on the first day of the third month after the bill is enacted.

Who It Affects
Public citizens would have access to fewer school safety-related records under public records requests.
Owners of critical infrastructure related to schools would be notified of requests and given an opportunity to comment on potential public disclosure.

Key Provisions
Expands exemptions to keep information about school safety and security from public disclosure.
Specifically exempts security measures, alarm systems, camera locations, security staffing, security contracts, security schedules, bus security and routes, and security plans or systems; includes critical infrastructure information.
Public officials must notify infrastructure owners of requests and allow comments on potential safety impacts.
Effective date: first day of the third month after passage and governor 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 Records