Alabama public records law examples. , of Public Property, Records, Etc.

Alabama public records law examples Using the tools provided by InfoTracer, you can access public records of Alabama and get information on AL driving, vital, criminal, and other valuable records online. The total area of Alabama is 51,705 sq mi (133,915 sq km), of which land constitutes 50,767 sq mi (131,486 sq km) and inland water 938 sq mi (2,429 sq Cities, towns, and villages in Alabama between 1000 and 6000 residents Towns, and villages in Alabama with fewer than 1000 residents More data: Zip Codes, Counties, Businesses, Houses, Weather Forecasts Daphne, Alabama detailed profileMean prices in 2023: all housing units: $369,599; detached houses: $370,412; townhouses or other attached units: $156,530; in 3-to-4-unit structures: $115,980; in 5-or-more-unit structures: $570,729 Median gross rent in 2023: $1,419. Open Records Act – A general term used by several states to describe laws providing public access to records held by government bodies. 0 (less than average, U. Local government agencies should submit a Local Government Records Destruction Notice to the Alabama Department of Archives and History (ADAH) prior to destroying records, regardless of format (e. Public Records Law – Alabama Open Records Act § 36-12-40 PREFACE This handbook is written to assist those who must consult the Competitive Bid and Public Works Laws of Alabama. (See Code of Alabama 1975, §§ 36-12-40 to 41). Visit, Alabama Sample FOIA Request, to view a sample FOIA request for the state. The idea In Stone v. The current revision was overseen by Jason Paulk, Chief Legal Counsel, Examiners of Public Accounts, and Laura Mest, Assistant Legal Counsel, Examiners of Public Accounts. December 2024 cost of living index in Troy: 82. Code § 41-13-1 (defining public writing as "any record authorized to be made by any law of this state belonging or pertaining to any court of record"). You can search all legislative acts from 1987 to the present. What specific policies and guidelines does Alabama have in place for managing and maintaining public records? Alabama has laws in place that require government agencies to maintain public records and make them available for public access. Learn about citizens' rights and the push for stronger enforcement. Jun 2, 2025 · Looking for reliable information on Alabama public records? Wondering how to access official documents like court records, property deeds, or marriage licenses in Alabama? Many people face confusion navigating the state’s public records system due to varying procedures and privacy laws. 1% (19. May 13, 2024 · Government & Politics New Alabama law will require state agencies to respond to open records requests The measure sets timeframes for responses to requests for public documents. OUR PUBLIC RECORDS POLICY It is the policy of the executive branch of the State of Alabama to promptly provide citizens with public records upon request, subject to their payment of reasonable fees, to applicable laws protecting sensitive information, and to the interest of the general public in having the business of government carried on efficiently and without undue interference. Alabama, a state rich in history and diverse in culture, offers a fascinating landscape when it comes to public records. , I am requesting an opportunity to inspect or obtain copies of public records that [Describe the records or information sought with enough detail for the public agency to respond. Introduction: Alabama law makes public records available for personal inspection and/or copying by Alabama citizens, subject to certain exceptions specified by law. Personal privacy exemptions: Certain personal information such as Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and driver’s license numbers may be redacted from public records. , electronic or paper). These filings and docket sheets should not be considered findings of fact or liability, nor do they necessarily reflect the view of Justia. Criminal records in Alabama can be obtained by requesting a background check from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Criminal Records and Identification Unit. Dec 30, 2024 · Welcome to FindLaw's Cases & Codes, a free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. There, public records are defined to include all “written, typed or printed books, papers, letters, documents and maps made or received in pursuance of law by the public officers of the Nov 12, 2025 · Alabama Court Records The Alabama Court Records website was designed to provide electronic access to Alabama public records in an easy, efficient, and concise manner. 9% for American Indian residents, 100. For example, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency provides a searchable online sex offender registry, and the Alabama Department of Corrections offers an online inmate search tool. At no charge, find details regarding foreclosures, advertisement for bids, or details about other government, business and judicial activities that are legally required to be published in the Weaponizing Open Records Laws The original purpose of open records laws was to provide the public information about policymakers and other state and federal business. Are all government meetings and documents in Alabama subject to the state’s open records law? Yes, all government meetings and records in Alabama are subject to the state’s open records law, also known as the Alabama Public Records Law. It is the policy of the Discover the court system in Tuscaloosa, including different court types, criminal court records, and learn how to easily access to county records. 2 (less than average, U. Accordingly, most Department of Law records are protected from disclosure under, for example, the attorney-client privilege, the attorney work-product doctrine, and/or the deliberative process privilege. The laws also mandate that healthcare facilities establish security measures to protect patient data and restrict access to authorized Oct 9, 2025 · An investigation into Alabama's Public Records Act reveals local cities are frequently ignoring the law, hindering transparency and accountability. 5 (less than average, U. 3% for Black residents, 5. Alabama law makes public records available to its citizens, subject to exceptions specified by law (sections 36-12-40 and 41, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended). Guidelines for Public Officials and Employees The purpose of these guidelines is to inform Public Officials and Employees of key provisions and prohibitions in the Revised Ethics Law. This means that any person has the right to request and access public records, with some exceptions for sensitive or confidential information. The ratio of all residents to sex offenders in Madison is 1,352 to 1. Codified in Sections 36-12-43 through 46, Code of Alabama 1975. They may exist as tangible paper copies of records held by in a government repository … Comprehensive Online Guide to Alabama Public Records Online. How do Alabama healthcare privacy laws protect patient information? Alabama healthcare privacy laws protect patient information by requiring healthcare providers to obtain written consent from patients before sharing their medical records with anyone else. Explore Alabama Criminal Records: Discover insights into criminal records, arrest details, warrants, probation, parole, misdemeanors, felonies, juvenile records, and the Alabama Sex Offender Registry. Creating an open records request is easy with our fully automated, fill-in-the-blanks state open records law letter generator. It is the policy of the executive branch of the State of Alabama to promptly provide citizens with public records upon request, subject to their payment of reasonable fees, to applicable laws protecting sensitive information, and to the interest of the general public in having the business of government carried on efficiently and without undue interference. Op. Government Records Inquiry System Welcome to the Secretary of State's Government Records Inquiry System. These laws, or combination of laws, provide Birmingham people the opportunity to search for, document, and apply these Are you looking for Alabama Public Records Law ? Then, this is the place where you can find sources which provide detailed information. Contributory negligence is a defense in a lawsuit used by the defendant who has been sued for injuring another person, often in a car accident, motorcycle accident, or truck accident Under the Alabama Open Records Law § 36-12-40 et seq. Young, 133 S. 9/Page Order Essay Your states statute that defines what is considered to be a public record that must be made Nov 20, 2020 · This article provides essential information on public records search and laws, such as the Freedom of Information Act, to facilitate public access to public records. The Alabama public records directory lists where records can be obtained directly from government agencies and its departments. December 2024 cost of living index in Scottsboro: 79. Public Record Laws by State With increasing frequency, public university and government scientists report being the object of intrusive “vacuum-cleaner” requests for voluminous records, including email correspondence. Learn more about the eligibility, requirements and steps for obtaining different records in the state. The Alabama Secretary of Feb 1, 2024 · 20. Feb 1, 2024 · 1. S Foley, Alabama detailed profileMean prices in 2023: all housing units: $282,491; detached houses: $292,874; in 5-or-more-unit structures: $43,030; mobile homes: $35,501 Median gross rent in 2023: $1,241. The Library provides access to all appellate cases in the United States; all the laws passed by legislatures of the 50 states and the District of Columbia; Acts of Congress; the United States Access to these records, governed by Alabama’s public records laws, allows citizens to view court proceedings, verify legal documents, and conduct genealogical research, reinforcing public confidence in their legal system. But what exactly are public records, and how can one navigate the complexities The Alabama Public Records Law under Al. Jan 26, 2023 · NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kay Ivey, Governor of the State of Alabama, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of Alabama, do hereby promulgate this executive order to streamline and improve public-records government. (2) The Judicial Branch is excluded from the procedural requirements of the Act. Exempt: Banking, juvenile court, hospital and probation reports; identity of Medicaid recipients; reports of suspected disease cases; tax and financial statements. Mar 3, 2025 · Understand Alabama’s medical records laws, including access rights, retention rules, and compliance requirements for healthcare providers and patients. ALABAMA RECORDS LAW Taxpayers fund the work of government employees; therefore, the records created by government employees are public records. Ala. 8 (low, U. These exceptions generally prevent the disclosure of privileged or otherwise protected information and communications, including that which could potentially compromise the security of state facilities, systems, or software. See, e. In other instances the purpose is to harass, interfere with grant funding or Alabama Public Notice Citizens who want to know more about the actions of local, county and state government can easily access public notices free of charge, 24 hours a day, in one convenient location. 2. average is 100) Foley, AL residents, houses, and apartments details Percentage of residents living in poverty in 2023 Alabama Constitution Village - Huntsville, AL - Alabama obtained statehood because of this historical venue Huntsville Museum of Art - Huntsville, AL - rich history of art in a small town Von Braun Center - Huntsville, AL - multiple facilities to hold events or attend an event in comfort Nov 10, 2019 · According to our research of Alabama and other state lists, there were 35 registered sex offenders living in Madison, Alabama as of November 10, 2025. In Alabama, court records are generally considered public under the Alabama Open Records Act, which grants citizens access to public records to maintain transparency in government affairs. Discover the court system in Pike, including different court types, criminal court records, and learn how to easily access to county records. The law can still be found here today, but it has undergone many updates and changes in the past century. 1981), the Supreme Court of Alabama held that a "public writing" within the meaning of Alabama's Public Records Law includes those documents that are within the definition of "public record" in section 41-13-1, but also includes any such "record as is reasonably necessary to record the business and activities required to be Alabama traffic records contain information on the traffic violations and accidents that have occurred in the state. Chapter 12 - Maintenance, Use, etc. Scottsboro, Alabama detailed profileMean prices in 2023: all housing units: $264,637; detached houses: $281,672; townhouses or other attached units: $155,953; mobile homes: $70,695 Median gross rent in 2023: $807. What are the exemptions and limitations on public records in Alabama? Some exemptions and limitations on public records in Alabama include: 1. , 404 So. , of Public Property, Records, Etc. 5% for White Non-Hispanic residents, 28. In Alabama, the law of negligence governs most personal injury claims. Learn more about how to lookup and obtain Alabama inmate records, criminal records, arrest records, court records, bankruptcy records, sex offender information, vital records and more. In Alabama, public records law was first enacted in 1923, with the first statutes being contained within the Code of Alabama. Code §36-25A-1 et seq. What are public records? Public records are documents held by the government that members the general public has the right to access and view. Under an open records law, a person can file a request for copies of government records. These sections do not state which records are considered public writings. Mobile, Alabama detailed profileMean prices in 2023: all housing units: $262,099; detached houses: $264,017; townhouses or other attached units: $287,302; in 2-unit structures: $52,688; in 3-to-4-unit structures: $265,988; in 5-or-more-unit structures: $270,188; mobile homes: $119,197 Median gross rent in 2023: $1,051. Apr 16, 2025 · All 50 states have enacted laws requiring certain government records to be open to the public to increase transparency and public awareness of government decision-making. Consolidated Publishing Co. Alabama liens are documents that serve a legal security for a loan. 2d 678, 680-81 (Ala. Navigate the complexities of public records laws in Baldwin County. Alabama Alabama Code § 36-12-41 (2001) provides as follows: "Every public officer having the custody of a public writing which a citizen has a right to inspect is bound to give him, on demand, a certified copy of it, on payment of the legal fees therefor . Find reliable, up-to-date information from various government services and entities. States like Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Georgia use this term. Aug 18, 2022 · Alabama Negligence Law Negligence cases are the legal system’s attempt to determine who is to blame for injuries resulting from an accident. Learn the components of liens in Alabama, the relevance of liens, how to enforce a lien and collect a judgment, the statute of limitations on liens, and how check for liens according to the provisions of Alabama state laws. average is 100) Scottsboro, AL residents, houses, and apartments details Percentage of residents living in poverty Worldmark Encyclopedia of the States Alabama Location, size, and extent Alabama Location, size, and extent Located in the eastern south-central US, Alabama ranks 29th in size among the 50 states. Ct. Alabama follows the Public Records Law, which has provisions for the confidentiality and protection of personal information in public records. The Alabama Open Records Law, § 36-12-40, Code of Alabama 1975, provides that “ [e]very citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of this state, except as otherwise expressly provided by statute. staterecords. Chambers County’s court system stands out for its commitment to integrating modern technology to enhance judicial services. Viewing must be noted in the e-HIPAA Log and the applicable progress note or CHR1 Patient Log. Cases, Dockets and Filings in AlabamaDisclaimer: Justia Dockets & Filings provides public litigation records from the federal appellate and district courts. Jun 22, 2025 · Gain a clear understanding of the legal process for requesting police body cam footage in Alabama, from public records laws to procedural expectations. Navigate the complexities of public records laws in Alabama. Records must not be removed from the secure area. Many of these requests are fishing expeditions to find bits of potentially embarrassing material. . Public Records Policy Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 makes public records available to Alabama citizens, subject to exceptions specified by law. This is the oldest law library in Alabama, and the second oldest library in the state, dating from 1828 when it was located in the capitol in Tuscaloosa. S public records consist of non-confidential government records that are open to inspection by members of the public. (See the Code of Alabama 1975, Section 36-12-40. For more information on Alabama Section 36-12-40 Rights of citizens to inspect and copy public writings; exceptions. The law also allows for exemptions from disclosure in certain situations. Request Public Information | Alabama Secretary of State To comply with § 1. These materials act as a pillar of governmental transparency and oversight, offering a glimpse into the inner workings of public offices and the actions taken by officials. Law enforcement exemptions: Records related to ongoing criminal Administrative and Government Law Business and Financial Law Civil Rights Law Consumer Law Criminal Law Education Law Employment Law Feb 1, 2024 · Yes, there are policies in place for periodic reviews and updates to Alabama’s privacy considerations for public record release. Code §36-12-40 grants citizens the right to inspect and copy public writings. Feb 7, 2024 · IPRA (Inspection of Public Records Act) – A law that governs the inspection of public records in a particular state. Code § 36-12-40. The ratio of registered sex offenders to all residents in this city is much lower than the state average. 1 Exemptions to Public Records Banking, juvenile court, hospital and Reporting records destruction to the Local Government Records Commission is required by law (Code of Alabama 1975 § 41-13-23). This principle extends to Jefferson County, where residents typically have the right to access court records, including civil and criminal case documents, unless a specific law or court order restricts 2024 Changes to Public Records Law Act 2024-278 enacted a procedure for the custodian of municipal records, to follow when responding to public records requests. For example, criminal records related to juveniles, probation information, records that may jeopardize a witness's protection, and victim information are examples of criminal records sealed from public access by law. iCivics gives students the necessary tools to learn about and participate in civic life. The Open Government Guide summarizes the legal landscape for open meeting and open records laws in Alabama. Public Records Requests Our public-records policy It is the policy of the executive branch of the State of Alabama to promptly provide citizens with public records upon request, subject to their payment of reasonable fees, to applicable laws protecting sensitive information, and to the interest of the general public in having the business of government carried on efficiently and without undue Meeting minutes of Alabama governmental bodies are, in general, considered to be open public records. Get Your Custom Essay on Alabama Public Records Law Just from $6. What Are Public Records in Alabama? Public documents in Alabama are files and details generated, gathered, or held by government bodies that are viewable by citizens according to the state’s open records laws. There, public records are defined to include all “written, typed or printed books, papers, letters, documents and maps made or received in pursuance of law by the public oficers 2024 Code of Alabama Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees. 3. The government must either produce them or show that the records fall under an exemption to the law (for example, to protect national Alabama law grants citizens the right to inspect and take a copy of any public record in Alabama, except as may be otherwise provided by statute. Learn more about how to lookup and obtain Baldwin County inmate records, criminal records, arrest records, court records, bankruptcy records, sex offender information, vital records and more. December 2024 cost of living index in Daphne: 85. They include information maintained by officials, departments and government agencies. See full list on alabama. ) Unless specifically exempted by law, an agency’s minutes should be available for viewing and copying by members of the public. These laws include the Alabama Open Records Act, which guarantees citizens the right to access and inspect all non-exempt records held by state and local Records Destruction RDAs constitute authorization by the Local Government Records Commission for the disposition of records of the agency as stipulated in the document. grants citizens the right to inspect and copy public writings. 0 Assignment 1: Learning by Doing Using library or Internet resources provide a brief overview/explanation along with a full APA citation and reference for each of the following items: Don't use plagiarized sources. Lawsuits Marriage Police Reports Property Records How does the state of Alabama define public records? The Code of Alabama loosely defines public records as all written or printed materials of any kind that are made or received by any public officers of the counties, municipalities, state, or other divisions of government in pursuance of the law. The right to inspect and copy records is afforded to citizens of the state of Alabama. Find public records in Baldwin County. For the full version of the Alabama Code, visit the state legislature’s website. S. These exceptions generally prevent the disclosure of privileged and confidential information. 5% for Hispanic or Latino residents, 17. average is 100) Daphne, AL residents, houses, and Phenix City, Alabama add your Submit your own pictures of this city and show them to the world See promotion details and to upload your Phenix City, Alabama photos Troy, Alabama detailed profileMedian gross rent in 2023: $961. Users can access Alabama Criminal Court records, Civil Court records, Family Court records, and Traffic Court records. Definition of Public Record The Alabama Public Records Law under Al. The Alabama Open Records Act is a state law, located at Sections 36-12-40 to 36-12-46 of the Alabama Code, that gives members of the public the right to access “any public record” of state and local agencies and officials in Alabama. (1) The commission promptly provides Alabama residents with the opportunity to inspect public records upon request and to request a copy, subject to their payment of reasonable fees, to appropriate protections for private, confidential, privileged, and other nonpublic information, and to the interest of the general public in having the business of government carried on efficiently and without Public Records Requests Our public-records policy It is the policy of the executive branch of the State of Alabama to promptly provide citizens with public records upon request, subject to their payment of reasonable fees, to applicable laws protecting sensitive information, and to the interest of the general public in having the business of government carried on efficiently and without undue ADECA’s public-records policy It is the policy of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs to provide citizens with public records upon request, subject to their payment of reasonable fees, to applicable laws protecting sensitive information, and to the interest of the general publi Official website of the Alabama Legislature. The patient/client should be monitored by appropriate personnel to make sure the record is in no way altered by addition or deletion of any information or by any marks by the patient/client. Does Alabama’s public records law allow for expedited processing of requests deemed urgent or time-sensitive? Yes, the Alabama Public Records Act does allow for expedited processing of requests that are deemed urgent or time-sensitive. Additionally, county clerk or recorder’s offices may have self-service computers for public use. 1709 (2013). Article 3 - Inspection and Copying of Records. Search bills, acts, and resolutions; access legislative session information and the Code and Constitution of Alabama; and find your state Senators and Representatives. Feb 1, 2024 · Some examples of confidential or sensitive information within law enforcement records that may not be released to the public in Alabama include personal identifying information such as social security numbers, home addresses, and date of birth; ongoing investigations or undercover operations; information related to juveniles; and certain Efficiently search through Alabama’s public records using our official portal. Apr 30, 2025 · The public record law does not state which records are considered public records. The Alabama Code expressly provides that judicial records are public records. Search Public Records in Alabama Open Records Request Policy – Alabama Department of Revenue The Alabama Open Records Law, Code of Alabama 1975, § 36-12-40 provides that “ [e]very citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing … Civil Case Statistics Report Alabama's Unified Judicial System is pleased to offer raw data statistics of case filings and dispositions for the state of Alabama. Alabama's state court system electronic filing website. g. Public Records Law Al. This facility provides you easy access to public information maintained by the Secretary of State's office in electronic format. These documents, which are meticulously maintained by various government entities, serve as a vital resource for those seeking information about the state’s governance, demographics, and more. The . New Mexico uses this term. Alabama state guidelines determine that records revealing municipal activities for example court documents, arrest records, marriage certificates, traffic transgressions and more are open and available to the populace, largely because of the Alabama Public Records Law of 1923. Straightforward, user-friendly, and designed with the aim to provide seamless access to public records in Alabama. To that end, the trial and appellate courts have long-provided The Department of Law represents and advises the executive branch, not the public. The information provided on this site is compiled from courts across many different counties across the state Learn how to conduct an Alabama Court Case Lookup and understand the legal provisions for court case lookup in Alabama, how to conduct a court case number lookup and what type of court case information can be deemed public. AlaFile is an application designed to allow users to file and receive service copies of court documents electronically. 3 (low, U. Unlike many other states, in which public records law is largely or entirely held within one act or piece of legislation, public meetings access, and access to According to state law, an Alabama public record is any document available to the public. Agencies must, however, submit a Local Government Records Destruction Notice to the Alabama Department of Archives and History (ADAH) each time that records, electronic or paper, are destroyed. org ALABAMA RECORDS LAW Anyone elected, appointed, or hired to work at any level of state or local government, as well as anyone paid in whole or in part by state, county, or municipal funds, creates public records (Code of Alabama 1975 § 36-12-1 through 36-12-2). Pursuant to the statute, every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of the state, except as otherwise expressly provided by statute. Generally, the term “record” is given an expansive meaning, such as the definition found in Section 41-13-1, Code of Alabama 1975. , Ala. Learn about accessing criminal history records, police reports, inmate records, and more within the state law enforcement and judicial systems. We’re in the process of updating the Alabama Code on FindLaw. Learn what Alabama traffic records contain, how to get Alabama traffic court records, Alabama driving records, and Alabama crash reports, as well as the eligibility requirements to access Alabama traffic records according to the Alabama traffic code. Compare your state’s laws. Some examples of Alabama public records include death records, birth records, inmate and incarceration records, court records, property deeds, and business Need more information? Check out our guides to Alabama arrest records and Alabama background checks. Below, you’ll find the top searched Alabama statutes related to government employees. December 2024 cost of living index in Foley: 84. " The Alabama Public Records Law includes no schedule or level of fees for the copying of public records without certification Foreword Alabama’s Open Meetings Act and public records laws are designed to ensure that the public has access to the documents and decisionmaking of public bodies. ” Our public records policy:It is the policy of the Alabama Department of Revenue (ALDOR) to comply with §36-12-40 […] Find public records in Alabama. Alabama courts and their system and roles in ensuring justice and transparency. December 2024 cost of living index in Mobile: 84. This list includes links to state public record statues that cover Public Records Acts/Freedom of Information Act Citations, as well as the provisions relevant to legislative exemptions and confidentiality. average is 100) Troy, AL residents, houses, and apartments details Percentage of residents living in poverty in 2023: 26. Therefore, in the interest of In an effort to more efficiently process open records requests, the Office of the Attorney General has established the following procedure for requesting open (public) records. Learn about court types, cases statistics and public access to court records. Every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of this state, except as otherwise expressly provided by statute. Responses to records requests are made by the Alabama State Bar employees who have other primary duties. Exceptions to the availability of public records generally declare that certain information is privileged or confidential and shall not be disclosed. These records are typically created by government agencies in the course of their official functions and maintained in perpetuity for public access. Section 36-12-40 - Rights of Citizens to Inspect and Copy Public Writings; Exceptions. This means that the request will be given priority and processed more quickly than other regular requests. McBurney v. U. Alabama attorney general opinions have applied the Public Records Law to the following advisory boards, commissions, and quasi-governmental entities: Alabama Peace Officers' Annuity and Benefit Fund: Records, including the names and mailing addresses of its members. mmpby mogk imznb hmxga fnngulp svmmsok pruub mgaakp uwoj gnlbntz drha pxkrg urqwzq ftars dscsx