SB202 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Public writings and public records, confidentiality of law enforcement investigative reports and material, further provided, exceptions, Sec. 12-21-3.1 am'd.

Summary

SB202 would expand public access to certain law enforcement investigative reports and materials, with specific exceptions, and tie the bill to local-funding requirements under the Alabama constitution.

What This Bill Does

It would allow public access to law enforcement investigative reports and related materials created before a criminal investigation begins, or to reports about investigations that are no longer pending. It would also allow public access to investigative materials created by third parties if they were disclosed during discovery, introduced as evidence, or shared with others, except when the next of kin or parents petition a court to seal audio or visual images of the incident. It includes a constitutional funding provision: the bill’s effect would count as a new or increased local expenditure, and it would not take effect for local entities unless they approve or the Legislature provides funds.

Who It Affects

• General public would gain access to certain investigative reports and materials under the bill's conditions.
• Next of kin or parents of a victim could petition to seal audio or visual images if disclosure would cause humiliation, degradation, or harm to the victim.

Key Provisions

• Expands public access to law enforcement investigative reports and related materials created before an investigation begins or relating to investigations that are no longer pending.
• Allows public access to investigative materials created by third parties when disclosed during discovery, introduced as evidence, or shared with others, with an exception allowing victims' family members to petition to seal audio or visual images.
• Provides a mechanism for sealing audio or visual images if a court finds that disclosure would cause specific, material harm to the victim, upon petition by next of kin or parents.
• Adds a constitutional funding note: the bill is treated as a new or increased local expenditure; if not enacted by a 2/3 vote, it becomes effective only if the local entity approves or if the Legislature provides funds.
• Effective date is the first day of the third month after the bill is passed and signed into law.

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

Subjects

Public Records