AL HB608

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

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

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

Courts must assess reasonable attorney's fees and litigation costs against any party that acted without substantial justification in failing to comply with the act or in instituting litigation, unless special circumstances exist.

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