SB14 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Body-worn and dashboard cameras; release of recordings revised

Summary

SB14 would make body-worn and dashboard camera recordings public records, require agencies to release them within 30 days of a request, and create an appeals process for denials.

What This Bill Does

It treats body-worn and dashboard camera recordings as public records subject to public inspection. The custodial law enforcement agency must release the requested recording within 30 days of a written request, after any required production fees. Access is limited to approved recipients (the person depicted or their authorized representatives) and only the portions relevant to the request may be released, with copying prohibited. If release is denied, the requester can seek judicial review in circuit court, which may uphold the denial only if releasing the recording would significantly interfere with ongoing investigations or endanger witnesses.

Who It Affects

• Custodial law enforcement agencies: must disclose and release recordings within 30 days, follow the defined disclosure rules, and may charge reasonable fees for redaction or editing.
• Individuals depicted in the recordings and their authorized representatives (including adults with guardians, incapacitated adults, and the estates/representatives of deceased individuals): may request release; disclosures are limited to relevant portions and require appropriate identification or consent; recipients cannot copy the recording.

Key Provisions

• The bill makes body-worn and dashboard camera recordings public records subject to inspection.
• The custodial law enforcement agency must release the requested recording within 30 days of a written request, after payment of a reasonable production fee.
• Definitions are added for body-worn camera, dashboard camera, custodial law enforcement agency, recording, disclose/release, personal representative, and related terms.
• Disclosures are limited to specific allowed recipients (the subject or their personal representatives) and only the portions relevant to the request.
• An individual denied disclosure may file a circuit court petition for judicial review; the court may uphold the denial only if it would substantially interfere with ongoing investigations or endanger a witness or source.
• The agency may charge a reasonable fee for redaction and editing of the recording.
• Exchanges of recordings between law enforcement or prosecuting agencies that are public records under 36-12-40 are not restricted by this act.
• Effective date is October 1, 2024, and the act is named the Jawan Dallas and Steve Perkins Act.

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