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Alabama Board of Pardons & Paroles adopts internal public-records request policy
Summary
The Alabama Board of Pardons & Paroles voted June 18 to adopt an Internal Public Records Request Policy that sets procedures, fees, and timelines for handling public-record requests and clarifies the agency's approach to privileged parole/probation files. The policy takes effect upon issuance of the Board order.
The Alabama Board of Pardons & Paroles adopted an Internal Public Records Request Policy at its June 18, 2025 open meeting in Montgomery, the board said, making the new procedures effective the day the order is issued.
The policy, approved in a recorded vote, assigns the Bureau's Communications Director as the public records coordinator, requires use of a standard “Request to View Public Records” form, and distinguishes between "Standard" and "Time-Intensive" requests with respective response windows of 15 and 45 business days after acknowledgement. The policy sets processing fees of $20 per hour (minimum one hour), $0.50 per physical page, and a $20 certification fee. If estimated costs exceed $20, requesters must pay an initial minimum fee before processing begins (for time-intensive requests the initial fee is half the estimated cost).
The order reiterates a longstanding statutory limitation: parole and probation files are privileged under Alabama law and are not subject to public disclosure, though the board's action sheets, orders, and certain statistical reports remain disclosable. The policy instructs staff to consult the agency Legal Department on privilege determinations and to use standard template letters for acknowledgements, invoices and delay notices.
Board Chair Leigh Gwathney recorded the motion and Darryl Littleton seconded it; the board's minute entry and the signed board order formalize the change. The agency's published instructions and forms (including the ABPP Records Request Form and management logs) are incorporated into the policy and will be published on the Bureau website.
Why it matters: the policy clarifies when and how members of the public, including media, can request non-privileged records and sets predictable fees and response times. It emphasizes that parole/probation files remain privileged and explains exceptions (Board action sheets, orders, aggregate statistics) and the process for certified or large requests.
The board adopted the policy during the afternoon business session; the adoption is recorded in the minute entry and board order accompanying the June 18 meeting minutes. The Board's next meeting is scheduled for June 25, 2025.
