Bill > SB24

This bill revises Alabama's laws regarding the release of law enforcement recordings, such as body-worn camera and dashboard camera footage. The bill clarifies definitions for key terms like "recording" and "body-worn camera" and establishes a more structured process for requesting and obtaining these recordings. Individuals seeking a recording must submit a written request to the law enforcement agency, specifying the date and time or providing sufficient details to identify the specific recording. The bill classifies these recordings as public records subject to existing public inspection laws. If a law enforcement agency denies a release request, the individual can now file a petition for judicial review in the circuit court, and the court can only uphold the denial if the release would substantially interfere with an ongoing investigation. The custodial law enforcement agency must respond within 30 days and can charge a reasonable fee for producing the recording. The bill also removes previous restrictions on who can request recordings, making the process more accessible, and establishes that only relevant portions of the recording should be released. These changes aim to increase transparency in law enforcement while still protecting the integrity of investigations. The new law will take effect on October 1, 2025.

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https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/bill-search