AL HB305

Law enforcement officers must forward completed motor vehicle accident reports to the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency director within 24 hours of completing an investigation using a uniform accident report form.

Motor vehicle accident reports remain confidential and exempt from public disclosure except when: identity of involved person is unknown, disclosure is ordered by subpoena or court order, or disclosure is requested by persons listed in the statute.

Persons authorized to request accident reports include: involved persons (drivers, passengers, pedestrians), parents or guardians of minors involved, personal representatives or heirs of deceased persons involved, insurers or their designees for insurance business purposes, and attorneys of involved persons.

The department may contract with outside entities to release vehicle damage data extracted from accident reports solely for providing the public a means of determining vehicle accident history, and may contract with third parties to provide electronic access to reports for authorized persons and entities.

The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor, or upon otherwise becoming law.