SJR42 Alabama 2022 Session

Updated Feb 22, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Arthur OrrSenator
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2022
Title: Public Records Study Task Force, created
Summary: SJR42 creates the Alabama Public Records Study Task Force to review the state's public records laws and propose updates.
What This Bill Does
It establishes a task force to study current public records law and related case law, and to recommend reform legislation. The group includes a diverse list of appointees from state and local government, legal offices, and professional associations, with the Deputy Director of the Alabama Law Institute as chair. The task force must hold public hearings, accept written comments, and produce a report with recommendations by the third legislative day of the 2023 Regular Session, after which the task force is dissolved.

Who It Affects
State agencies (at least two appointees) and government officials who manage or request public records, who may face updated procedures or exemptions.
Local governments (cities, counties, school boards) and related associations (League of Municipalities, Association of County Commissions, Alabama Association of School Boards) that handle records and access requests.
Public and media groups (Alabama Press Association, Alabama Broadcasters Association, Alabama Retail Association, Alabama Public Television, Alabama Ethics Commission) whose job depends on access to records or reporting on government activity.
General public and requestors who seek access to public records, who may gain or lose access permissions under updated rules.
The Alabama Law Institute and its Deputy Director, who will chair the task force and guide the study.

Key Provisions
Creates the Alabama Public Records Study Task Force to study current Alabama public records law (Sections 36-12-40 and 36-12-41) and propose reform legislation.
Specifies members: three Governor appointees (two from state agencies), one from the Lieutenant Governor, the Attorney General or designee, one Senate appointee, two House appointees, and additional members from the Chief Examiner of Public Accounts, Alabama League of Municipalities, Association of County Commissions, Alabama Association of School Boards, Alabama Press Association, Alabama Broadcasters Association, Executive Directors of Alabama Public Television and the Alabama Ethics Commission, Alabama Retail Association, and the Deputy Director of the Alabama Law Institute (chair).
Requires appointing authorities to ensure the task force reflects racial, gender, geographic, urban/rural, and economic diversity.
Requires the first meeting within 60 days and mandates that all hearings be open to the public with at least 30 days’ advance public notice; hearings allow public participation with seven days’ notice to speak.
Mandates the task force prepare a report with findings, conclusions, and proposed reform legislation, due by the third legislative day of the 2023 Regular Session, including guidance on access, exemptions, enforcement, penalties, and other relevant areas.
Upon filing the report, the task force is dissolved and no longer has duties or liabilities.

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