SB234 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Sam GivhanSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Municipalities, authorized to use electronic records and signatures in the conduct of its affairs, Secs. 8-1A-17, 8-1A-18 am'd.

Summary

SB234 would let Alabama municipalities use electronic records and electronic signatures in their affairs.

What This Bill Does

The bill amends sections 8-1A-17 and 8-1A-18 to let a municipality decide, by ordinance, whether and how its offices create and keep electronic records, convert paper records to electronic form, and send or receive electronic records and signatures with others. It also lets municipalities set practical rules for creating, signing, storing, and verifying electronic records, including the type of electronic signature and security measures. The act does not require municipalities to use electronic records. It becomes effective immediately after the Governor signs it.

Who It Affects

• Municipal governments and their agencies: allowed to create/retain and exchange electronic records and signatures and to set related procedures by ordinance.
• Residents, businesses, and others interacting with municipalities: may use electronic records and signatures in dealings with municipal offices under the rules set by the municipality.

Key Provisions

• Amends 8-1A-17 to let municipalities determine by ordinance the extent to which municipal agencies create and retain electronic records and convert written records to electronic form.
• Amends 8-1A-18 to let municipalities determine by ordinance the extent to which municipal agencies send/accept electronic records and signatures, and to set the processes for creation, storage, signature type, identity criteria, and security/audit controls.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.