AL SB21

Amends the Alabama Open Meetings Act to define and prohibit "serial meetings"—a series of gatherings where less than a quorum attends each individual meeting but collectively constitutes a quorum, conducted without public notice or opportunity to attend.

Clarifies that the Alabama Legislature is solely governed by the Alabama Constitution, which requires doors to remain open to the public except when secrecy is required; no other provisions of the Open Meetings Act apply to the Legislature.

Expands enforcement authority to allow private citizens impacted by violations to bring civil actions (in addition to media organizations and the Attorney General), with prevailing plaintiffs receiving any civil penalties awarded.

Sets minimum civil penalty for violations at $1 and maximum at $1,000 per meeting (or one-half of defendant's monthly salary, whichever is less); penalties payable to plaintiff(s) and not reimbursable by the governmental body.

Requires preliminary hearing within 10-17 business days and final order within 60 days; allows court to invalidate actions taken in violation if complaint filed within 21 days and violation was not due to mistake or inadvertence.