HB41 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Juandalynn GivanRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Body-worn and dashboard cameras; delay in disclosing certain recordings restricted

Summary

HB41 limits delays in disclosing body-worn and dashboard camera recordings during active investigations and adds requirements for reassessment and notification.

What This Bill Does

If a recording is requested during an ongoing investigation or prosecution, disclosure can only be delayed if it would substantially interfere. The agency must explain the delay in writing and give an estimated disclosure date. If the delay lasts, it may continue up to six months total, but the agency must reassess every 30 days and notify the requester of the continued basis for delay. The law also allows a reasonable fee for redaction and editing, and the act becomes effective October 1, 2024.

Who It Affects

• Individuals (or their representatives) requesting recordings — clearer rules on when withholding can occur, with periodic status updates and a firm six-month maximum delay.
• Law enforcement custodial agencies — must reassess withholding every 30 days, provide written rationale and timing for disclosure, and may charge a reasonable redaction/editing fee.

Key Provisions

• During an active investigation or prosecution, disclosure may be delayed only if the disclosure would substantially interfere with the investigation or prosecution, and the agency must provide a written basis for the delay and an estimated disclosure date.
• If the delay reaches 30 days, the agency may extend the delay up to a total of six months from the date of the request, but must reassess every 30 days and notify the requester of continued delay and the basis for it.
• Under no circumstances may disclosure be delayed more than six months from the date of the request.
• A recorded withheld by the agency must be disclosed promptly once the basis for withholding is resolved.
• The agency may charge a reasonable fee for redaction and editing of a recording.
• The act amends Section 36-21-213 and becomes effective October 1, 2024.

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

Subjects

Criminal Procedure