SJR31 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Public Records Study Task Force, created

Summary

Creates the Alabama Public Records Study Task Force to study current public records laws and propose reforms, with a report due in the 2023 Regular Session.

What This Bill Does

The task force will study Alabama's public records statutes and related case law to identify needed updates. It includes appointees from Governor, Lt. Governor, Senate and House leadership, and various government, media, education, and ethics groups. Meetings and hearings must be open to the public, advance notice is required for hearings, and all materials considered are open records. The task force must deliver findings and proposed reforms to the Legislature by the third legislative day of the 2023 Regular Session and will be dissolved after filing its report.

Who It Affects

• State and local government bodies that appoint task force members (and the entities represented on the task force) will participate in shaping and guiding review of public records laws.
• Alabama residents, including journalists and organizations that request or rely on public records, who may benefit from clearer rules and potential changes to access, exemptions, and enforcement.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Alabama Public Records Study Task Force to study current statutory law and case law and recommend proposed reform legislation to update Alabama's public records law.
• Specifies the task force's membership, including gubernatorial and legislative appointees and representatives from multiple state and local bodies and associations, with the Deputy Director of the Alabama Law Institute as chair.
• Requires the task force to be inclusive and reflect the state's diversity in race, gender, geography, urban/rural status, and economic background.
• Requires first meeting within 60 days, public hearings with at least 30 days' notice, and open records for all materials submitted to the task force.
• Requires a final report with findings and recommendations on access, exemptions, enforcement, penalties, and other reform areas to the Legislature by the third legislative day of the 2023 Regular Session.
• Dissolves the task force after it files its report with the Legislature.

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

Subjects

Resolutions, Legislative