HB373 Summary

• Body-worn camera and dashboard camera recordings are not public records and shall not be considered personnel records under Alabama law.

• Law enforcement agencies may disclose recordings only to persons whose image or voice appears in the recording, their personal representatives (with consent where applicable), or guardians of minors or incapacitated persons.

• Persons authorized to receive disclosure may petition circuit court for an order to release recordings, with the court considering factors including public interest, sensitive personal information, safety concerns, and ongoing investigations.

• Law enforcement agencies must disclose or release recordings to district attorneys for criminal prosecution purposes, and may disclose recordings for law enforcement training, administrative purposes, or to other law enforcement agencies.

• Law enforcement agencies may charge a reasonable fee to offset copying costs, and no attorneys' fees may be awarded in disputes; the act becomes effective three months after passage.