SJR42 Summary

• Creates the Alabama Public Records Study Task Force to examine and recommend updates to Alabama's public records laws (Sections 36-12-40 and 36-12-41), which have been largely unchanged since 1923.

• Task force composed of 15 members including representatives from state agencies, the Attorney General, legislative leadership, municipalities, counties, schools, media organizations, the Alabama Law Institute (which chairs), and other stakeholders, with appointments coordinated to reflect state diversity.

• Task force must hold its first meeting within 60 days, conduct at least one public hearing in Montgomery with 30 days advance notice, accept written comments, and keep all meetings and materials open to the public.

• Task force shall deliver a report to the Legislature by the third legislative day of the 2023 Regular Session with recommendations on public records access procedures, agency resources, exempt records, enforcement mechanisms, and other necessary reforms.

• Task force dissolves upon filing its final report with the Legislature.