Open Meetings
Ala. Code § 36-25A-3 — notice seven calendar days ahead, and a suit within 21 days to undo an action
A governmental body under the Open Meetings Act, other than an unpaid advisory body, posts notice of every meeting at least seven calendar days before it. A body with statewide jurisdiction sends its notice to the Secretary of State, who posts it online.
Who handles this in Alabama: legal aid programs, lawyer referral and the state offices, listed in the Alabama directory.
A media organization, an Alabama citizen affected more than the public at large, the Attorney General or the district attorney may sue in the county of the body's primary office. The court issues a final order within 60 days after the preliminary hearing unless everyone agrees to longer.
- The court can invalidate action taken at an unlawful meeting when the complaint is filed within 21 days of the action being made public, the violation was not a mistake or excusable neglect, and good faith reliance by others would not be unduly harmed.
- For each meeting held in violation, the court imposes a civil penalty paid to the plaintiff, no more than $1,000 or half the member's monthly pay for the body, whichever is less.
The Legislature. The Legislature is governed by the state constitution and its own rules on open sessions, and the rest of the act does not apply to it.
Sources for this section (2)
- Ala. Code § 36-25A-3 — Notice Requirements
- Ala. Code § 36-25A-9 — Enforcement; Hearings; Penalties and Remedies
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Alabama attorney.