Alabama Open Meetings Law
Most states have their own version of the Freedom of Information Act, commonly referred to as Open Records, Open Meetings, Open Government or Sunshine laws. In Alabama, freedom of information is provided under Al. Code §36-25A-1 et seq., which is called the Alabama Open Meetings Law. The Open Meetings Law guarantees that Alabama's citizens have open access to agencies, boards, commissions, and other governmental bodies which conduct the people's business.
Open Meetings Law Al. Code §36-12-40 et seq.
Closed: Attorney-client meetings; discussions where "character or good name" of a person is involved; and grand jury and juvenile proceedings.
Alabama Public Records Law
The Alabama Public Records Law under Al. Code §36-25A-1 et seq. grants citizens the right to inspect and copy public writings. Pursuant to the statute, every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of the state, except as otherwise expressly provided by statute.
Public Records Law Al. Code §36-25A-1 et seq.
Exempt: Banking, juvenile court, hospital and probation reports; identity of Medicaid recipients; reports of suspected disease cases; tax and financial statements.
Visit, Alabama Sample FOIA Request, to view a sample FOIA request for the state.