CONTRIBUTED BY
THE ALABAMA PRESS ASSOCIATION
ALABAMA —
The Alabama Broadcasters Association (ABA) and the Alabama Press Association (APA) commend Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey for outlining in detail how public records can be accessed from state agencies.
The executive order, issued on Jan. 26, 2023, makes the process of requesting public records very clear and gives citizens an understanding of what to expect when making such a request.
Ivey stated in a press release, “Access to public records is essential to guaranteeing transparency in government, and I am proud to sign this executive order that improves this process as a whole.”
ABA President Sharon Tinsley responded to the governor’s announcement with gratitude.
“Broadcasters across the state appreciate the action Gov. Ivey has taken,” Tinsley said. “Her effort to ensure transparency and to provide a clearer process for obtaining the people’s records is welcomed. We urge the Legislature to follow Gov. Ivey’s lead by making needed changes to the Alabama Open Records Act.”
The executive order becomes effective April 26, 2023.
“We applaud the governor’s executive order that provides a minimum time for state agencies to respond to records requests and addresses the fees charged for obtaining the records,” said APA Executive Director Felicia Mason. “It provides definitions of what is considered a standard request and those that will take more time to gather, and offers guidance on how to address both. These are much-needed improvements, and we look forward to working with state elected officials to make access to public record easier for Alabamians.”