Senate Bill 157 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanSenator

Democrat

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Public records; footage from law enforcement body-worn cameras or dashboard cameras, designated as public record

Summary

SB157 would designate law enforcement body-worn and dashboard camera recordings as public records in Alabama, with a formal process to request access, an appeals path for denials, and rules on redactions and fees, effective October 1, 2026.

What This Bill Does

Makes recordings from body-worn and dashboard cameras public records subject to public inspection. Creates a written request process to obtain disclosures, limits disclosures to the portions relevant to the request, and allows redaction and fees. Provides a path to challenge a denial through circuit court, where denial can be upheld only if disclosure would substantially interfere with an ongoing investigation or endanger safety. Defines key terms and notes conditions for interagency exchanges and certain internal recordings.

Who It Affects

• General public and individuals who may request access to body-worn/dashboard camera recordings, with access subject to the new public-record rules and the agency's redaction and timing decisions.
• Custodial law enforcement agencies responsible for handling requests, applying redactions, collecting reasonable fees, and processing appeals through the courts.

Key Provisions

• Body-worn camera and dashboard camera recordings are treated as public records, making them subject to inspection.
• Requests must be in writing to the head of the custodial agency and must identify the recording by date/time or activity to be located.
• Disclosures are limited to the portions relevant to the request; some recordings (e.g., internal investigations or interviews of suspects/witnesses) are not released; recipients may not copy the released recording.
• If access is denied, the requester may seek judicial review in the circuit court; disclosure may be denied only if it substantially interferes with an ongoing investigation or endangers safety.
• A custodial agency may charge a reasonable fee for producing and redacting recordings, not to exceed actual production costs.
• Effective date is October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Government Administration