House OKs Bill Restricting Access To 911 Calls

The Alabama House has passed a bill that would restrict the public's access to 911 calls and require a court order for their release.

By: Katie Hammond | WKRG-TV
Published: February 02, 2010

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The Alabama House has passed a bill that would restrict the public's access to 911 calls and require a court order for their release.
The bill sponsored by Republican Rep. Ron Johnson of Sylacauga was passed Tuesday on a 70-24 vote and now goes to the Senate.

It would keep audio recordings of 911 calls from being released without a court order finding that the public's interest in the recording is greater than the privacy interst of those involved in the call.

An ammendment passed Tuesday allows for transcripts of the calls to be released for "a reasonable fee."

The bill says audio of the calls can be released without a court order to those investigating the incident or lawyers for people who are involved.