The bill HB513 Engrossed 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. Key provisions include the insertion of definitions for "biometric identifiers," "background check," and "noncriminal justice purpose," which clarify the law's scope. The bill also repeals Article 4 of Chapter 2 of Title 32, which previously governed criminal history information, and introduces penalties for the misuse of background check reports.

Additionally, the bill mandates that individuals must provide written permission for their background check information to be released, with specific requirements for minors needing parental consent. It outlines the responsibilities of law enforcement in obtaining biometric identifiers during arrests and ensures that these identifiers are submitted to ALEA for inclusion in the state repository. The bill sets a fee cap of $30 for background checks and requires that all collected funds be deposited into the Public Safety Fund. Overall, HB513 Engrossed aims to modernize Alabama's approach to criminal justice information while ensuring compliance with privacy and security standards, with an effective date of October 1, 2025.

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