Alabama Open Records Act

Response Timeline

No fixed statutory response deadline. The 2024 amendment added acknowledgment tracks for requests but does not set a hard production deadline. Extensions permitted for complex requests.

Alabama residents only. 'Resident' means permanently domiciled in Alabama. Proof may include driver's license or voter registration. Changed from 'citizen' to 'resident' in the 2024 amendment. This is one of the more restrictive residency requirements among US states.

How to Submit a Request

Accepted Methods

• Written — Email, mail, or fax
• In person — Inspection at agency offices during business hours
• Online portal — Some agencies accept online requests

Written requests recommended. In-person inspection is free. Proof of Alabama residency may be required.

Required Elements

• Description of records sought
• Contact information for response
• Proof of Alabama residency (if requested)

Optional Elements

• Preferred format
• Preferred delivery method

Fees

Reasonable fee for actual costs. Executive branch: up to $0.50/page. Search time: up to $20/hr. No fee for in-person inspection of records. Fees should reflect actual costs of reproduction.

Fee Waivers

• In-person inspection of records is always free
• Possible fee waivers but no explicit statutory procedure

In-person inspection is free by statute. Other fee waivers are possible but there is no explicit statutory procedure for requesting them.

Exemptions

• Library circulation
  Library circulation records (§36-12-40(a))
• Security infrastructure
  Security and critical infrastructure records
• Attorney client
  Attorney-client privileged communications
• Work product
  Attorney work product and litigation strategy
• Trade secrets
  Trade secrets and proprietary commercial information
• Personnel disciplinary
  Personnel disciplinary records
• Confidential informants
  Identity of confidential informants
• Ongoing investigations
  Records of ongoing criminal investigations
• Medical
  Medical and psychiatric records
• Tax returns
  Individual tax returns and financial records

Exemptions are scattered across the Alabama Code. The judicial branch is exempt from the Open Records Act. The 2024 amendment clarified several exemption categories.

Appeal Process

No formal administrative appeal body. AG can provide guidance but opinions are not binding. Court action is the primary enforcement mechanism. The judicial branch is exempt from the Act.

Request Templates

Records Retention

Ala. Code §41-13-1 et seq.

View retention law →

Retention schedule catalog →

The State and Local Government Records Commissions approve Records Disposition Authorities (RDAs) that serve as retention schedules. No government records may be destroyed without prior commission approval.

Sources & References

• Full text of law →
• Primary source →
• RCFP Open Government Guide — Alabama →
• NFOIC State FOI Resources →