Alabama § 26-16-98 - Confidentiality of Information and Records.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 26-16-98 — Confidentiality of Information and Records., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 26-16-98. Confidentiality of Information and Records.
(a) All information and records acquired by the state team or by a local team, in the exercise of its purpose and duties pursuant to this article, are confidential, exempt from disclosure under Section 41-13-1, and may only be disclosed as necessary to carry out the team’s duties and purposes.
(b) Reports of the state team and of a local team which do not contain any information that would permit the identification of any person to be ascertained shall be public information.
(c) Except as necessary to carry out a team’s purpose and duties, members of a team and persons attending a team meeting may not disclose what transpired at a meeting which is not public under Section 26-16-97, nor shall they disclose any information the disclosure of which is prohibited by this section.
(d) Members of a team, persons attending a team meeting, and persons who present information to a team may release information to such government agencies as is necessary for the purpose of carrying out assigned team duties.
(e) Information, documents, and records of the state team or of a local team are not subject to subpoena, discovery, or introduction into evidence in any civil or criminal proceeding, except that information, documents, and records otherwise available from other sources are not immune from subpoena, discovery, or introduction into evidence through those sources solely because they were presented during proceedings of the team or are maintained by a team.
(f) Moreover, notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), those criminal records, court records, and other records that have been open to public inspection before September 11, 1997, shall remain open.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 26-16-98
What does Code of Alabama § 26-16-98 cover?
Section 26-16-98 ("Confidentiality of Information and Records.") 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 § 26-16-98?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 26-16-98" (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 § 26-16-98 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.