SJR99 Summary: Alabama Open Records Study Task Force

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

• Task force shall consider factors including public access to records, government integrity, internal deliberation needs, administrative costs, privacy interests, trade secrets protection, and public safety and law enforcement concerns.

• Comprises 21 positions filled by appointments from the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, legislative leaders, judiciary committee chairs, Secretary of State, State Superintendent of Education, and various state agencies and organizations.

• Requires appointing authorities to ensure membership reflects the state's racial, gender, geographic, urban, rural, and economic diversity.

• Task force must hold its first meeting within 45 days of enactment and submit findings and reform recommendations to the Legislature by February 1, 2020, after which it dissolves.