HB10 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Juandalynn GivanRepresentative

Democrat

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

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

Summary

HB10 changes when body-worn and dashboard camera recordings can be delayed in ongoing investigations, requiring reassessment and limiting delays to six months while improving notice to requestors.

What This Bill Does

It allows limited delay of disclosure during an active investigation or prosecution only if disclosure would substantially interfere with the case, and requires agencies to disclose the portion relevant to the request or clearly explain the withholding. It requires agencies to reassess withholding every 30 days, notify the requestor of the status and the basis for withholding, and cap total delays at six months from the date of the request. It also lets agencies charge a reasonable fee for redaction/editing, and becomes effective October 1, 2025.

Who It Affects

• Law enforcement agencies holding body-worn or dashboard camera recordings, who must follow the new disclosure timing rules and reporting requirements
• Individuals or their representatives who request recordings, who gain clearer timelines and must be told why a disclosure is delayed or denied

Key Provisions

• During an ongoing active investigation or prosecution, disclosure may only be delayed if the delay would substantially interfere with the investigation or prosecution
• The agency must reassess withholding every 30 days and notify the requestor of the status and the specific basis for withholding; after 30 days, if still interfering, delay may continue for up to a total of six months from the date of the request
• No disclosure delay may exceed six months from the date of the request
• Recordings withheld must be disclosed promptly when the basis for withholding is resolved
• A custodial agency may charge a reasonable fee for redaction and editing
• Effective date is October 1, 2025

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