Alabama § 26-16-97 - Meetings; Disclosure of Information; Violation; Penalties.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 26-16-97 — Meetings; Disclosure of Information; Violation; Penalties., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 26-16-97. Meetings; Disclosure of Information; Violation; Penalties.
(a) Meetings of the state team and of local teams shall be closed to the public and not subject to the State Sunshine Law when the state team or local team is discussing a specific child death.
(b) Information identifying a deceased child, a family member, guardian or caretaker of a deceased child, or an alleged or suspected perpetrator of abuse or neglect upon a child, may not be disclosed during a meeting which is open to the public.
(c) Information regarding the involvement of any agency with the deceased child or family may not be disclosed during a public meeting.
(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed as preventing the state team or a local team from requesting the attendance at a team meeting of a person who has information relevant to the team’s exercise of its purpose and duties.
(e) Any person who intentionally violates any portion of this section commits a Class C misdemeanor and shall be punished as prescribed by law.
Any person who violates the provisions of confidentiality in any proceedings conducted by either a local team or the state team shall be removed from the team in addition to any other penalty.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 26-16-97
What does Code of Alabama § 26-16-97 cover?
Section 26-16-97 ("Meetings; Disclosure of Information; Violation; Penalties.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Alabama § 26-16-97?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 26-16-97" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Alabama law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.
How does Alabama § 26-16-97 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.