HB373 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Shane StringerRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Recordings, law enforcement agencies, circumstances and procedures to release recordings by body cameras or dashboard

Summary

HB373 sets rules for when and how body-worn and dashboard camera recordings from law enforcement can be released in Alabama.

What This Bill Does

The bill defines key terms (body-worn and dashboard cameras, recordings, etc.) and states that these recordings are not public records. It outlines who may receive a disclosure (people depicted in the recording, their personal representatives, guardians, spouses, attorneys, etc.) and requires a written request. It generally restricts releases to authorized recipients or via court order, allows in-camera review, and uses factors like privacy, safety, and public interest to decide whether to disclose.

Who It Affects

• Custodial law enforcement agencies: must follow the new release procedures, may disclose to authorized individuals, may charge copying fees, and must adopt a camera-use policy.
• Individuals whose image or voice are in a recording (and their personal representatives, guardians, spouses, attorneys, or estates): may request disclosure under specified conditions and receive only relevant portions.
• Adult or minor victims and suspects represented by guardians or attorneys: have defined rights to disclosure through personal representatives.
• District attorneys and prosecutors: may receive recordings for charging reviews, discovery, and use in criminal proceedings.
• Other law enforcement agencies: may receive recordings for training or law-enforcement purposes.
• General public: access is restricted; disclosure typically requires authorization or court order.

Key Provisions

• Section 2: Recordings are not public records and not personnel records.
• Section 3: Written requests are required; disclosure limited to listed authorized persons (including those depicted or their representatives).
• Section 4: Agencies consider factors like privacy, confidentiality, safety, and justice administration when deciding to disclose.
• Section 5: Denials or delays can be reviewed by circuit court; court can order disclosure for relevant portions via in-camera review.
• Section 6: Authorized persons can petition for release; court may review in-camera and release only relevant portions with conditions.
• Section 7: Generally, releases require a court order unless other sections allow disclosure; standards include compelling public interest and protection of sensitive information.
• Section 8: Allows disclosure to district attorneys for certain purposes and to training or internal use within law enforcement.
• Section 9: Recordings must be retained according to state retention laws.
• Section 10: Agencies must adopt a policy governing the use of body-worn and dashboard cameras.
• Section 11: No civil liability for good-faith compliance unless gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing is shown.
• Section 12: Agencies may charge copying fees up to the actual cost.
• Section 13: No attorney fees awarded in actions under this act.
• Section 14: The act becomes effective after a set period following Governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Law Enforcement Agencies