SB1 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Phillip W. Williams

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Driving under the influence, ignition interlock provisions, further provided for, required for persons approved for pretrial diversion, ignition interlock fee for municipal court cases distributed to municipality, fee for indigents lowered, Sec. 32-5A-191, 32-5A-191.4 am'd.

Summary

SB1 would establish the Alabama Privacy Act, requiring public restrooms and changing facilities to protect user privacy and specify how facilities are provided based on users' gender.

What This Bill Does

It requires facilities to protect privacy by offering single-user restrooms, same-gender multi-user restrooms, or mixed-gender multi-user restrooms with an attendant at the door. It imposes civil penalties for noncompliance (first violation at least $2,000; subsequent violations at least $3,500, payable to the local licensing authority), creates a private right of action for individuals who suffer privacy violations (damages, attorney fees, and costs), and lays out notice and venue rules. It also prohibits private class actions while allowing state or local prosecutors to sue in representative capacity. The act becomes effective immediately after governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Businesses and organizations that provide public restrooms, bathrooms, or changing facilities (must design and operate facilities to protect privacy).
• People who use public restrooms and changing facilities (gain privacy protections and potential remedies for violations).
• Local governments and licensing authorities (receive civil penalties and oversee enforcement).

Key Provisions

• Section 2: Privacy requirements with three design options for facilities: (1) single-user restrooms; (2) multi-user restrooms for the same gender; (3) mixed-gender multi-user restrooms with an attendant at the door.
• Section 3: Civil penalties for noncompliance: at least $2,000 for the first violation and at least $3,500 for each subsequent violation, payable to the local governing body that licenses the facility.
• Section 4: Private right of action for privacy violations: remedies include actual damages or at least $1,000 (whichever is greater), up to three times the actual damages as punitive damages, plus reasonable attorney's fees and costs; limitations on frivolous actions; specified court venues; and pre-suit notice requirements.
• Section 4: No private class actions; state or district attorneys may sue in representative capacity; required notification to the Attorney General and local district attorney; post-judgment notice to state and local authorities.
• Section 5: Effective date is immediate upon 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

Crimes and Offenses