SB240 Alabama 2022 Session

Updated Feb 22, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Arthur OrrSenator
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2022
Title: 911 telephone calls, procedure for release of records, transcripts, further provided, Sec. 11-98-12 am'd.
Summary: SB240 would allow emergency communications districts to provide transcripts of 911 call audio to public-records requestors (for a fee) and require districts to retain 911 call recordings.
What This Bill Does
It allows a district to release a transcript of a specific 911 call to individuals who have access to public writings under Section 36-12-40 and who pay a transcription fee. It maintains that releasing the actual audio or the victim’s name generally requires a court order, with an exception for the caller or their legal representative if sworn affidavits verify the facts. It authorizes redaction of personal information before releasing transcripts and requires requests to identify the exact transcript being requested. It also requires districts to retain recordings of every 911 call for two years, with an additional two years possible upon request in a criminal investigation, while non-audio written/electronic records remain public writings.

Who It Affects
Public-records requestors (people who have access to public writings under Section 36-12-40) who want a transcript of a specific 911 call and are willing to pay a transcription fee.
Emergency communications districts and the general public they serve, since districts must retain 911 recordings for two years (and potentially two more years for investigations) and must handle transcript requests with redaction and public-records compliance.

Key Provisions
Amends Section 11-98-12 to allow transcripts of 911 audio to be provided to public-records requestors under Section 36-12-40 upon payment of the transcription cost (noting the specific access requirement).
Maintains existing rule that releasing the audio recording or the victim’s name generally requires a court order, with exceptions for the caller or the caller's legal representative when proper affidavit verification is provided.
Allows districts to provide transcripts of requested 911 audio to eligible requestors, notwithstanding other subsections, and requires identification of the exact transcript requested.
Permits redaction of names, addresses, phone numbers, and other personal identifying or sensitive information before releasing a transcript.
Requires districts to retain a recording of every 911 call for two years, with an additional two years if requested by a criminal investigation.
Clarifies that written or electronic records detailing circumstances or responses related to a 911 call (other than the audio) are public writings and subject to public inspection.

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