SB196 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Relating to open records; to amend Section 36-12-41, Code of Alabama 1975, and add Sections 36-12-43 and 36-12-44 to the Code of Alabama 1975, to establish procedures for requesting and obtaining public records; and to make nonsubstantive, technical revisions to update the existing code language to current style.

Summary

SB196 creates a formal, standardized process for requesting and obtaining public records in Alabama, including timelines, methods, and a standard request form.

What This Bill Does

It adds new sections that specify how requests can be made (hand delivery, mail, or electronic if the agency allows it), how receipt is counted, and that agencies must acknowledge receipt within 10 business days. It requires a written response within 20 business days with options to provide access, estimate costs, deny (fully or partially), or explain why access is not possible, and allows scope limiting to meet deadlines. It defines a standard request form and clarifies that public records exclude judicial branch records, while allowing extensions and not requiring agencies to create new records; it also takes effect October 1, 2023.

Who It Affects

• Public record requesters and members of the public (including students, journalists, and researchers) who request access to government records and may receive clearer procedures, timelines, and cost estimates.
• Public officers, government agencies, and custodians of records (including educational institutions) who must process requests within set timelines, determine access or denial, and manage requests via multiple delivery methods.

Key Provisions

• Adds sections 36-12-43, 36-12-44, and 36-12-45 to establish request procedures, receipt timing, and response requirements.
• Requests may be made by hand, mail, or electronically if a written process exists; requests must identify records with reasonable specificity.
• Acknowledgement of receipt within 10 business days; responses within 20 business days with options to provide access, estimate costs, deny, partially deny, or indicate non-custodian/nonexistence; extensions possible under certain conditions.
• Forms for written requests are provided (or substantially similar); public records exclude judicial branch records; public officers are not required to create new records.

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, procedures established to obtain