California Public Records Act: methods of submission, fees, and agency response time.
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Majority
Fiscal committee
No
Appropriation
No
Current location
Passed
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill modifies the California Public Records Act to clarify how agencies should receive public records requests, how they should respond, and how they can charge fees. It requires agencies to designate specific methods for submitting requests, such as a physical address or email, and to notify the public of any changes to these methods. The bill also adjusts the time agencies have to respond to requests, aiming for a 10-business-day response time, with potential extensions for unusual circumstances, and establishes fees for certain types of requests, including those for commercial use.
Key provisions
- Agencies must designate a physical office location and email address for submitting public records requests.
- Agencies can use other reasonable methods for submitting requests, like mail, subject to certain requirements.
- A request must be submitted through a designated method for it to be considered properly requested.
- Agencies must provide notice of any changes to submission methods on their website.
- Agencies must charge fees for commercial use requests, including search and review time.
- Requests from educational institutions, government agencies, and the news media are exempt from the commercial use fee.
- Agencies can petition a court to impose fees on requesters who submit malicious requests.
- The agency’s duty to respond is suspended during court proceedings related to a malicious request.
Who is affected
Bill text
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Primary sponsor
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