Alabama Senate Bill 118 (2026) establishes the Alabama Justice Information Commission's authority over the collection, dissemination, and use of biometric identifiers by certain entities [1]. The bill also creates the Alabama Background Check Service for noncriminal justice purposes and an Alabama Rap Back Program [2], introducing penalties for non-compliance and repealing existing criminal history information release laws.

Who does SB118 affect?

Entities that collect, disseminate, or use biometric identifiers in Alabama are within scope, particularly for noncriminal justice purposes. This includes organizations utilizing biometric identification or facial recognition systems for background checks or ongoing monitoring via the Rap Back Program. Companies subject to the Alabama Justice Information Commission's regulations should review their practices.

What is the current status of SB118?

As of the last published update, SB118 is at the "enacted" stage, with bill status "enacted".

Where can I find the primary source for SB118?

The primary source for the most recent update is at https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/bill/22163949. AIGI publishes the full citation chain plus every approved brief on this bill.

AL, US · AI law tracker

SB118 — AL, US

SB118 is an AI governance legislation from AL, currently enacted. The legislation formalizes the Alabama Justice Information Commission's role in biometric data governance and background check services [1]. AIGI tracks 1 primary-source update on this bill; the most recent was published on 2026-04-08.

Status & timeline

Regulatory stage: enacted
Bill status: enacted
Authority / governing body: Alabama Legislature
Chamber: Senate
Document type: legislation

Next deadline: No fixed deadline — effective immediately upon enactment (2026-04-08).

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Full obligation matrix

Actor	Obligation	Deadline	Source
certain entities	Comply with regulations for the collection of biometric identifiers.	2026-04-08	—
certain entities	Comply with regulations for the dissemination of biometric identifiers.	2026-04-08	—
certain entities	Comply with regulations for the use of biometric identifiers.	2026-04-08	—
certain entities	Utilize the Alabama Background Check Service for noncriminal justice purposes as authorized.	2026-04-08	—
certain entities	Pay specified fees for certain background checks.	2026-04-08	—
certain entities	Comply with the established Alabama Rap Back Program.	2026-04-08	—
certain entities	Face penalties for non-compliance with the Rap Back Program.	2026-04-08	—
Alabama Justice Information Commission	Oversee the collection, dissemination, and use of biometric identifiers.	2026-04-08	—
Alabama Background Check Service	Provide types of background checks for noncriminal justice purposes.	2026-04-08	—
Alabama Background Check Service	Administer uses and fees for certain background checks.	2026-04-08	—
Alabama Rap Back Program	Administer the Rap Back Program including any penalties.	2026-04-08	—

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Enforcement risk score

/ 100

Enforcement actions have been filed against named organizations under this or analogous rules.

Subscriber only

Role-based compliance checklist

general_counsel Review SB118 to understand the new framework for biometric data collection, dissemination, and use. (2026-04-08)
compliance_officer Review SB118 to understand the new framework for biometric data collection, dissemination, and use. (2026-04-08)
hr_director Assess current background check processes and integrate with the Alabama Background Check Service for noncriminal justice purposes. (2026-04-08)
risk_manager Assess current background check processes and integrate with the Alabama Background Check Service for noncriminal justice purposes. (2026-04-08)
compliance_officer Establish internal policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the Alabama Rap Back Program and avoid penalties. (2026-04-08)
cto Evaluate technology systems to ensure they align with the new regulations concerning biometric identifiers. (2026-04-08)
data_scientist Evaluate technology systems to ensure they align with the new regulations concerning biometric identifiers. (2026-04-08)

Subscriber only

Vendor impact assessment

Vendor risk class: high
Procurement categories: hr_tech, security_tooling, other

Vendors providing HR technology, background check services, or biometric identification systems must ensure their offerings align with Alabama's new regulations, including integration with state-mandated services and adherence to data handling protocols for biometric identifiers.

Sample vendor questions

How do your services ensure compliance with Alabama's regulations regarding the collection, dissemination, and use of biometric identifiers as established by SB118?
Are your background check services compatible with the Alabama Background Check Service, and do they account for its fee structures and authorized uses for noncriminal justice purposes?
What measures do you have in place to support compliance with the Alabama Rap Back Program, including any data sharing or reporting requirements?
What data governance and privacy controls are implemented for biometric data processed by your systems to meet state regulations?

Intelligence briefs (1)

legislation enacted 4/8/2026

Alabama SB118 (2026) Enacts Biometric Data, Background Check Service

The legislation formalizes the Alabama Justice Information Commission's role in biometric data governance and background check services [1].

This development expands state-level biometric data governance, affecting deployer obligations and compliance requirements in Alabama.

Deadline: No fixed deadline — effective immediately upon enactment (2026-04-08).

Primary source →

Frequently asked questions

What is SB118?: Alabama Senate Bill 118 (2026) establishes the Alabama Justice Information Commission's authority over the collection, dissemination, and use of biometric identifiers by certain entities [1]. The bill also creates the Alabama Background Check Service for noncriminal justice purposes and an Alabama Rap Back Program [2], introducing penalties for non-compliance and repealing existing criminal history information release laws. Primary source →
Why does SB118 matter?: This development expands state-level biometric data governance, affecting deployer obligations and compliance requirements in Alabama. Primary source →
Who does SB118 affect?: Entities that collect, disseminate, or use biometric identifiers in Alabama are within scope, particularly for noncriminal justice purposes. This includes organizations utilizing biometric identification or facial recognition systems for background checks or ongoing monitoring via the Rap Back Program. Companies subject to the Alabama Justice Information Commission's regulations should review their practices. Primary source →
What are the key dates for SB118?: No fixed deadline — effective immediately upon enactment (2026-04-08). Primary source →
What is the current status of SB118?: As of the last published update, SB118 is at the "enacted" stage, with bill status "enacted". Primary source →
Where can I find the primary source for SB118?: The primary source for the most recent update is at https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/bill/22163949. AIGI publishes the full citation chain plus every approved brief on this bill. Primary source →

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Important — about this brief

This brief is published by AIGI as a regulatory intelligence service. It contains general information about AI laws, regulations, enforcement actions, and policy signals across jurisdictions. It is not legal, compliance, audit, or risk-management advice; it does not establish an attorney-client, advisory, or fiduciary relationship; and it should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional counsel applied to specific facts and circumstances. Where the brief identifies “Issues for Review,” those are observations of questions a reader in a particular role might raise with their own legal, compliance, or risk function — not recommendations to act. AIGI expressly disclaims liability for actions taken or not taken in reliance on this brief. Subscribers in regulated industries should consult licensed professionals authorized to practice in their jurisdiction.

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Status & timeline

Intelligence briefs (1)

Alabama SB118 (2026) Enacts Biometric Data, Background Check Service

Frequently asked questions

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