SB24 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanSenator

Democrat

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

Criminal procedure, revises release of law enforcement recordings

Summary

SB24 would make body-worn and dashboard camera recordings public records and require agencies to release them within 30 days of a request, with an appeals process if disclosure is denied.

What This Bill Does

It treats body-worn and dashboard camera recordings as public records that the public can inspect. Custodial law enforcement agencies must release the recording within 30 days of a written request and disclose only the portions relevant to the request; disclosures can be made to the recording subject or their authorized representatives. If the request is denied, there is a circuit court appeals process; the bill also allows redaction/editing and charging a reasonable fee, and it defines key terms. The act takes effect on October 1, 2025.

Who It Affects

• General public and others who make requests for recordings, who would gain access to public records and be subject to the 30-day release rule and potential redactions and fees.
• People depicted in recordings (or their authorized representatives, such as guardians or attorneys), who may receive disclosures under the specified criteria.

Key Provisions

• Body-worn and dashboard camera recordings are defined as public records subject to public inspection.
• Recordings must be released within 30 days of a written request; only portions relevant to the request may be released; a written denial can be appealed.
• Disclosures are limited to listed recipients (subject, their personal representative, etc.), with consent rules for adults and guardianship/incapacity situations; a circuit court may review denials.
• The bill defines relevant terms, allows reasonable fees for production and for redaction/editing, and becomes effective 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