Alabama § 38-13-8 - Confidentiality and Disclosure of Reports.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 38-13-8 — Confidentiality and Disclosure of Reports., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 38-13-8. Confidentiality and Disclosure of Reports.
(a) All reports of criminal history background information received by the Department of Human Resources from the Department of Public Safety shall be confidential and marked confidential with no further disclosure and shall not be made available for public inspection.
(b) All criminal history background information reports shall be excluded from any requirement of public disclosure as a public record.
(c) Without additional public disclosure, the following release of the criminal history background information report shall not be construed to violate this section:
(1) Showing the report to the applicant or current employee.
(2) Release of the report to a court of competent jurisdiction in the event of litigation brought by the applicant or employee.
(3) Release of the report to a court of competent jurisdiction upon a finding that the information is material to the issues of the case before the court.
(4) Use of the report in preparation, investigation, and presentation during a criminal prosecution, or in any administrative proceeding involving the challenge to a suitability determination, or revocation of a license or denial of an application for a license by the Department of Human Resources.
(5) Release to anyone with the written consent of the employee or volunteer.
(d) A person having access to criminal history background information reports and releasing the reports pursuant to this chapter shall be required to maintain a register consistent with the National Child Protection Act of 1993, Public Law 103-209, 42 U.S.C. §5119, et seq.
(e) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit the distribution of employment or licensing status information to an interested party.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 38-13-8
What does Code of Alabama § 38-13-8 cover?
Section 38-13-8 ("Confidentiality and Disclosure of Reports.") 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 § 38-13-8?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 38-13-8" (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 § 38-13-8 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.