SJR79 Summary

• Creates the Alabama Open Records Study Task Force to review current state open records laws and recommend whether revisions are needed.

• Task force shall consider public access benefits, government integrity, internal deliberation needs, administrative costs, privacy interests, trade secrets protection, and public safety concerns.

• Comprises 34 members appointed by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, legislative leaders, judiciary committees, Secretary of State, State Superintendent of Education, and heads of various state agencies and institutions.

• Requires task force to hold first meeting within 45 days of enactment; legislative members receive compensation and expenses, non-legislative members serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for expenses.

• Task force must report findings, conclusions, and reform recommendations to the Legislature by February 1, 2020, then dissolve.