AL HB761

Government officials controlling public records must determine within 10 business days whether requested records are subject to access under Section 36-12-40 of the Alabama Code.

Requester must be notified within 15 days of the determination whether public records are available for inspection and copying.

Any person failing to receive requested public records within 30 business days may file an action in Circuit Court of Montgomery County to obtain an order for the records.

Court must assess reasonable attorney's fees and litigation costs against either party acting without substantial justification in enforcement actions, unless special circumstances exist.

Governmental officials providing access to information in good faith reliance on this act are protected from liability.