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HB 513

Alabama Justice Information Commission; collection, dissemination, and use of biometric identifiers by certain entities provided for; Alabama Background Check Service established, types, uses, and fees for certain background checks for noncriminal justice purposes authorized; Alabama Rap Back Program established, penalties provided for; existing law relating to release of criminal history information repealed

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Bryan Brinyark

Alabama bill establishes centralized biometric system allowing police, employers, and licensors to request background checks and receive automatic alerts when subjects are arrested.

Read for the Second Time and placed on the Calendar (Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Safety)
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Bill Summary · HB 513

Legislative bill overview

HB 513 establishes the Alabama Justice Information Commission to oversee biometric identifier collection and sharing among law enforcement and authorized entities. It creates the Alabama Background Check Service, which allows noncriminal justice entities (like employers and licensing boards) to request background checks and receive automated "Rap Back" notifications when subjects are arrested. The bill repeals existing criminal history information release laws and replaces them with this new framework.

Why is this important

This consolidates background check authority under one system while expanding access beyond traditional criminal justice uses to private employers, professional licensors, and other entities. The Rap Back program means ongoing monitoring of individuals post-background check, which affects employment, licensure, and financial opportunities. The shift from existing law could significantly alter privacy protections and the scope of continuous surveillance of citizens' criminal records.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy expansion: Rap Back creates continuous, automatic monitoring of individuals rather than one-time background checks, affecting millions of people with prior contacts regardless of conviction status
  • Third-party access: Expanding background check access to noncriminal justice entities (employers, professional boards) without clear restrictions on data use or sharing practices
  • Due process concerns: Individuals may have limited ability to dispute inaccurate information in biometric systems or know they're being monitored, and penalties for misuse may be insufficient deterrent

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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