HB320 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Russell BedsoleRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Crimes and offenses, juveniles, prohibit release confidential information

Summary

HB320 would shield juvenile law enforcement records from public disclosure by making unauthorized disclosure or use of certain records a crime, with limited access allowed to specified parties.

What This Bill Does

HB320 makes it illegal to knowingly disclose, use, or permit the use of certain law enforcement records of a child charged with a criminal offense. It keeps these records confidential and not open to the public, while allowing limited access to the juvenile court, relevant state agencies, schools, probation staff, the child’s parent or guardian, the child’s attorney and guardian ad litem, and others under defined circumstances; victims may view records during investigations at the discretion of the investigator. It also requires law enforcement to report delinquency charges to the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency and sets penalties for improper disclosure (Class A misdemeanor). The act takes effect June 1, 2024, and is treated as creating a new crime rather than increasing local government spending for constitutional purposes.

Who It Affects

• Juvenile charged with delinquency and their family would have strongly protected records that cannot be disclosed publicly or used improperly.
• Certain officials and entities involved in juvenile cases (juvenile court, Department of Human Resources, Department of Youth Services, schools, probation staff, law enforcement across jurisdictions, the child’s attorney and guardian ad litem, and prosecutors) would have narrowly defined access to those records.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits knowingly disclosing, using, or permitting the use of certain law enforcement records of a child charged with a criminal offense.
• Maintains confidentiality of records and prevents public inspection unless specifically authorized (e.g., transfer for prosecution or court orders in the child’s interests).
• Defines who may inspect or copy records (juvenile court, relevant agencies, school officials with petition, parents/guardians, attorneys, probation staff, etc.).
• Victims may view records during investigation at the discretion of the investigating officer.
• Requires law enforcement agencies to report a child’s delinquency charge to the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency with identifying information.
• Photographs, likeness, and personal identifying information in records of a person charged under 12-15-204 are not public records before conviction and may only be released under limited court orders or determinations.
• Prohibits improper disclosure with a Class A misdemeanor penalty under the juvenile court’s jurisdiction.
• Counsel may disclose confidential records as needed for investigation or defense.
• Effective June 1, 2024; the act is exempt from local-funds requirements because it creates/defines a new crime.

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

Subjects

Crimes & Offenses