HB446 Summary

• Amends Section 11-98-12 of the Alabama Code to modify procedures for releasing 911 call records and audio recordings by emergency communications districts.

• Requires a court order finding that public interest outweighs privacy interests before releasing audio recordings or victim names, except for law enforcement investigations.

• Allows callers or their legal representatives to obtain audio recordings without court order by submitting a sworn affidavit verifying identity and relevance to a legal matter.

• Establishes that written or electronic 911 records (excluding audio) are public documents subject to inspection; allows transcripts to be provided upon request with a reasonable fee, with permitted redactions of names, addresses, and sensitive information.

• Requires emergency communications districts to retain 911 recordings for two years, with an additional two-year retention period upon request by agencies conducting criminal or civil investigations.