HB286 Alabama 2023 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Low Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Shane StringerRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2023
Title: Relating to public records; to add Section 41-13-7.1 to the Code of Alabama 1975, to prohibit the disclosure of personal identifying information of state legislators and law enforcement officers and employees upon request of the state legislator, officer, or employee; and in connection therewith would have as its purpose or effect the requirement of a new or increased expenditure of local funds within the meaning of Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022.
Summary: HB286 would require agencies to redact personal identifying information of state legislators and law enforcement officers from public records when requested, to protect their privacy.
What This Bill Does
It adds a new section that requires redaction of an officer's or legislator's personal identifying information from records before disclosure upon the request of the affected person. It defines who counts as a law enforcement officer or employee and requires online forms for making redaction requests, with redaction carried out under the same terms as existing redactions. The bill notes a potential local cost but, per the Legislative Fiscal Office, has an insignificant fiscal impact and is exempt from certain constitutional cost-scrutiny rules. The act would take effect on the first day of the third month after the Governor signs it.

Who It Affects
State legislators and law enforcement officers and employees: their personal identifying information in public records would be redacted before disclosure upon their request.
Public agencies and local governments: must redact as requested and provide an online form for submitting redaction requests; the expected cost impact is deemed insignificant.

Key Provisions
Adds Section 41-13-7.1 to require redaction of personal identifying information from records prior to disclosure upon request by the affected legislator or officer/employee.
Defines 'law enforcement officer or employee' to include a broad list of public officials and certified personnel, including federal equivalents, for purposes of redaction.
Requires departments and agencies to make an online request form available for state legislators or law enforcement officers or employees to request redaction.
Redaction must follow the same terms and conditions as redaction under Section 41-13-7.
The bill acknowledges the potential for local costs but, per the Legislative Fiscal Office, finds the fiscal impact to be aggregate insignificant and excludes the measure from additional 111.05 requirements.
Effective date: the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor.

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, law enforcement officers and employees, prohibit disclosure of personal identifying information