HB36 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Juandalynn GivanRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Law enforcement, recordings, not public records, procedure to determine to whom and what portion of a recording to disclose or release established

Summary

HB 36 says law enforcement recordings are not public records and creates a controlled process for who can view or obtain copies and under what conditions.

What This Bill Does

It defines terms like body-worn and dashboard cameras and states that recordings are not public records. It limits disclosure to specific people (those depicted, their personal representatives or guardians, and other authorized recipients) and requires a written request identifying the recording. It allows law enforcement to consider factors such as confidentiality, safety, and the integrity of investigations when deciding disclosure and permits in-camera court review. It also requires retention of recordings per the state's schedule, requires agencies to adopt camera policies, and allows copying fees while limiting liability for good-faith compliance.

Who It Affects

• Custodial law enforcement agencies and personnel: must handle disclosure requests under the new procedures, maintain policies for camera use, and retain recordings according to the retention schedule.
• People depicted in recordings and their authorized representatives (e.g., guardians, spouses, attorneys) and certain legal authorities: may receive disclosure of relevant portions only and under specified conditions; may pursue court orders if disclosure is denied or delayed.

Key Provisions

• Provision 1: Recordings are not public records and disclosure is limited to authorized recipients with only the relevant portions disclosed, upon a written request identifying the recording.
• Provision 2: Establishes a court-based process to compel disclosure or release, including in-camera review, prioritization of hearings, retention requirements, agency policy adoption, and copying fees with liability protections for good-faith compliance.

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

Subjects

Law Enforcement