HB446 Alabama 2022 Session

Updated Feb 22, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: David StandridgeRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2022
Title: Emergency Communication districts, 911 telephone calls, victims confidential, procedure for release of 911 written transcripts, further provided, maintenacne of recording of 911 calls for two years, Sec. 11-98-12 am'd.
Summary: HB446 changes how Alabama 911 call audio and transcripts are released, adds public access to non-audio records, and extends retention of recordings by emergency districts.
What This Bill Does
It restricts releasing 911 audio and victim names without a court order, except that the caller or the caller's representative can obtain the recording with a sworn affidavit showing identity and connection to an investigation. It also makes non-audio written or electronic records about a 911 call public records subject to inspection. It creates a process to obtain transcripts of 911 calls with a specified identification of the call, allows redaction of personal information, and requires payment of a reasonable transcription fee. It requires districts to keep 911 recordings for two years, with an additional two-year retention if requested by a criminal or civil investigating entity.

Who It Affects
Emergency communications districts and their staff, who manage access, releases, affidavits, redactions, transcripts, and retention rules.
911 callers, victims, their legal representatives, and members of the public, who gain or lose access to 911 audio and transcripts under the new rules.

Key Provisions
Audio release and court orders: 911 audio and victim names generally require a court order to release, except that the caller or the caller's legal representative/estate may obtain the audio without a court order if an affidavit confirms identity and connection to an investigation.
Non-audio records: Written or electronic records about a 911 call (other than the audio) kept by the district are public records and subject to public inspection.
Transcript requests: Districts must provide transcripts of requested 911 audio upon public-record request and payment of a reasonable fee, with the request needing to identify the specific call; districts may redact names, addresses, phone numbers, and other personal information before release.
Retention: Districts must retain 911 recordings for two years, with a possible additional two-year retention upon request by a criminal investigation agency or civil-investigation attorney.
Effective date: The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after 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: E-911