The California Public Records Act requires state and local agencies to make public records available for inspection, unless an exemption from disclosure applies. Existing law requires an agency to justify withholding any record by demonstrating that the record is exempt under express provisions of the act or that the public interest served by not disclosing the record clearly outweighs the public interest served by disclosure. The act requires a response to a written request for public records that includes a denial of the request, in whole or in part, to be in writing. This bill would require the written response demonstrating that the record in question is exempt under an express provision of the act also to identify the type or types of record withheld and the specific exemption that justifies withholding that type of record. Because local agencies would be required to comply with this new requirement, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires local agencies, for the purpose of ensuring public access to the meetings of public bodies and the writings of public officials and agencies, to comply with a statutory enactment that amends or enacts laws relating to public records or open meetings and contains findings demonstrating that the enactment furthers the constitutional requirements relating to this purpose. This bill would make legislative findings to that effect. 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.
Sponsored bills
This measure would proclaim February 14, 2016, as V-Day to encourage all Californians to become more aware about and prevent violence against women.
This measure would declare May 18, 2016, as the 28th Annual State Scientist Day, as a tribute to the dedication and professionalism of the state scientists who work on behalf of all the residents of California.
This measure would recognize "Women Warriors" by proclaiming the week of March 14, 2016, to March 20, 2016, inclusive, as Women's Military History Week in California and would encourage Californians to recognize, among other things, the contributions of women to our military and our freedom and the historic lifting of the ban on women in combat on January 24, 2013.
This measure would proclaim March 23, 2016, as Pakistani American Day and would urge all Californians to join in celebrating Pakistani American Day.