Clerk of the court.

Existing law authorizes a court to make rules for its own government and the government of its officers, as specified. Existing law requires the clerk of the court to perform various duties, including, safely keeping or disposing of all papers and records filed or deposited in an action or proceeding before the court. This bill would require that the clerk of the superior court allow access to public information that identifies criminal defendants to a person who certifies specified conditions under penalty of perjury. The bill would also permit the clerk of the court to audit persons who have accessed public record information upon reasonable written notice given at least 10 business days in advance. By requiring an individual seeking to access public record information identifying criminal defendants to certify certain conditions under penalty of perjury, this bill would expand the crime of perjury and impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.