Section 36-25A-1 Purpose; open meetings requirement; short title. (a) It is the policy of this state that the deliberative process of governmental bodies shall be open to the public during meetings as defined in Section 36-25A-2(6). Except for executive sessions permitted in Section 36-25A-7(a) or as otherwise expressly provided by other federal or state laws […]
Section 36-25A-10 Limitation period. An action under this chapter must be brought within 60 days of the date that the plaintiff knew or should have known of the alleged act which brings rise to the cause of action; provided, however, that any action under this chapter must be brought within two years of the alleged […]
Section 36-25A-11 Repealer and construction. Section 13A-14-2, is repealed. All specific references in the Code of Alabama 1975 to Section 13A-14-2 shall be considered a reference to this chapter and where expressly excluded or included from application of Section 13A-14-2, the exclusion or inclusion from application shall remain as it applies to these new sections. […]
Section 36-25A-2 Definitions. As used in and for determining the applicability of this chapter, the following words shall have the following meanings solely for the purposes of this chapter: (1) DELIBERATION. An exchange of information or ideas among a quorum of members of a subcommittee, committee, or full governmental body intended to arrive at or […]
Section 36-25A-3 Notice requirements. (a) Unless otherwise specified by law and as provided herein, any governmental body subject to this chapter, except for an advisory board, advisory commission, advisory committee, task force, or other advisory body created solely to make recommendations on public policy issues and composed of persons who do not receive compensation for […]
Section 36-25A-4 Maintenance of records. A governmental body shall maintain accurate records of its meetings, excluding executive sessions, setting forth the date, time, place, members present or absent, and action taken at each meeting. Except as otherwise provided by law, the records of each meeting shall become a public record and be made available to […]
Section 36-25A-5 Rules of parliamentary procedure; voting. (a) Unless otherwise provided by law, meetings shall be conducted pursuant to the governing body’s adopted rules of parliamentary procedure not in conflict with laws applicable to the governmental body. (b) Unless otherwise permitted by this chapter or directed by provisions in the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, […]
Section 36-25A-5.1 Participation by electronic communications. (a) Except as provided in subsection (d), members of a governmental body as defined in Section 36-25A-2, that is comprised of members from two or more counties, may participate in a meeting of that governmental body by means of telephone conference, video conference, or other similar communications equipment which […]
Section 36-25A-6 Recording of meeting. A meeting of a governmental body, except while in executive session, may be openly recorded by any person in attendance by means of a tape recorder or any other means of sonic, photographic, or video reproduction provided the recording does not disrupt the conduct of the meeting. The governmental body […]
Section 36-25A-7 Executive sessions. (a) Executive sessions are not required by this chapter, but may be held by a governmental body only for the following purposes: (1) To discuss the general reputation and character, physical condition, professional competence, or mental health of individuals, or, subject to the limitations set out herein, to discuss the job […]
Section 36-25A-8 Immunity from suit. In addition to any existing applicable immunity, members of a governmental body and any of its employees participating in a meeting conducted in conformance with this chapter shall have an absolute privilege and immunity from suit for any statement made during the meeting which relates to an action pending before […]
Section 36-25A-9 Enforcement; hearings; penalties and remedies. (a) This chapter is designed and intended to hold members of governmental bodies, and the bodies themselves, accountable to the public for violations of this chapter. Therefore, enforcement of this chapter, except a violation of Section 26-25A-3(a)(1), may be sought by civil action brought in the county where […]
