SB270 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Public records, procedures established to request and obtain copies of records from state

Summary

SB270 creates a formal process for requesting public records in Alabama, with definitions, timelines, fees, and exemptions to protect sensitive information.

What This Bill Does

It updates the public records law to clarify residents' right to inspect and copy records and adds a structured process for requests. It introduces standard and time-intensive request categories, with defined timelines for acknowledgment and responses, and rules on fees and prepayment. It defines key terms, requires written procedures and standard request forms, and requires notification when requests may involve critical infrastructure information. It also expands exemptions to protect security plans, critical infrastructure information, and certain private data, and includes parental access rights to minor children's school or library records.

Who It Affects

• Alabama residents who request public records, who gain a clearer, formal process with defined timelines, forms, and potential fees.
• Public officers and government agencies that maintain public records, who must follow the new procedures, determine timeframes, collect fees, and apply exemptions.

Key Provisions

• Amends sections 36-12-40 and 36-12-41 to clarify the right to inspect/copy public records and to add exemptions for school/public library records parental access, security plans, and critical infrastructure/energy information.
• Adds new sections 36-12-43 through 36-12-46 that establish definitions (Business Day, Public Officer, Resident, Standard Request, Substantive Response, Time-Intensive Request) and set out procedures for standard and time-intensive public records requests, including timelines, fees, and notice requirements.
• Standard requests: processing expectations (less than eight hours of staff time), 10-day acknowledgment, 15 business days for a substantive response, and fee-related rules; includes a rebuttable presumption of denial if not timely.
• Time-intensive requests: processing up to 45 business days for a substantive response after opting in, potential 180-270 day limits with extensions, logging of pending requests, and fee rules including prepayment and possible partial payment.
• Fees: public officers may charge reasonable fees, require payment before disclosure, and may request payment of all or part of estimated fees; there is a process for notifying fees in advance.
• Exemptions and protections: records that could harm public safety or critical infrastructure/energy information are exempt from disclosure; private/confidential information remains protected; the judiciary is exempt from certain sections; and there are provisions for notifying owners of infrastructure when relevant.
• Procedural requirements: public officers must have written procedures reasonably available, may require standard forms, and may accept requests by hand or mail; nonresidents' requests are at the officer's discretion.
• Effective date: 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

Government Administration