The proposed bill amends the Code of Alabama 1975 to enhance the collection and dissemination of biometric identifiers, particularly by law enforcement agencies. It establishes the Alabama Background Check Service and the Alabama Rap Back Program, allowing the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) to conduct background checks for noncriminal justice purposes, such as employment and licensing. The bill introduces new definitions for terms like "background check" and "noncriminal justice purpose," while also repealing Article 4 of Chapter 2 of Title 32, which pertains to criminal history information. Additionally, it allows ALEA to set fees for background checks and imposes penalties for misuse of background check reports.

Key provisions of the bill include the requirement for written consent from individuals before their background information can be released, with specific rules for minors requiring parental consent. The bill expands the range of entities eligible to request background checks and mandates that arresting agencies collect biometric identifiers for inclusion in a state repository. It also outlines the responsibilities of law enforcement regarding notifications to ALEA when individuals are released without charge. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and aims to modernize the state's approach to criminal justice information management while ensuring individual privacy and security.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 41-9-590, 41-9-594, 41-9-625, 41-9-650, 41-9-650, 41-9-650, 41-9-650, 41-9-650, 41-9-650, 41-9-590, 41-9-594, 41-9-625, 41-9-650
Engrossed: 41-9-590, 41-9-594, 41-9-625, 41-9-650, 41-9-650, 41-9-650, 41-9-650, 41-9-650, 41-9-650, 41-9-590, 41-9-594, 41-9-625, 41-9-650