California Public Records Act. Learn how to request and obtain public records from the Secretary of S
Learn how to request and obtain public records from the Secretary of State, including fees, exemptions, and inspection options. In California, the Public Records The California Public Records Act (“CPRA”) was enacted by the Legislature to further the concept of government accountability. The California Public Records Act (CPRA) is part of the bedrock of laws enshrining the public’s right to hold their governments accountable by ensuring the public can access government records. The California Public Records Act (Statutes of 1968, Chapter 1473; currently codified as Division 10 of Title 1 of the California Government Code) was a law passed by the California State Legislature and signed by governor Ronald Reagan in 1968 requiring inspection or disclosure of governmental records to the public upon request, unless exempted by law. This publication provides a comprehensive overview of the California Public Records Act, which grants the public the right to access information from government agencies. 614, Sec. The California Public Records Act requires state and local agencies to make their records available for public inspection, unless an exemption from The Public Records Act is designed to give the public access to information in possession of public agencies: "public records are open to inspection at all times during the office hours of theagency We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Find out what records are available and how to contact the office for assistance. (Added by Stats. Basic structure All public records are subject to disclosure unless they fall within one of the exemptions articulated in the Public Records Act, or PRA for short. 000 - 7920. 530 "public records include any writing containing information relating to the conduct of the public's business prepared, As the Legislature stated in enacting the California Public Records Act, “access to information concerning the conduct of the people's business is a fundamental and necessary right of every The Public Records Act (PRA) gives you access to public records we maintain unless they’re exempt from disclosure by law. The CPRA allows the public access to inspect and obtain copies of most The California Public Records Act (PRA) was adopted to foster transparency, accountability, and greater public access to government records. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Statutory Definition of Public Records Under the California Public Records Act, a local agency is defined as a county, city, school district, district, political subdivision, or any board, commission or To facilitate processing your Public Records Act request, we encourage you to use the electronic form provided below which will be submitted directly to the Public Records Coordinator of the Attorney The California Public Records Act also establishes reasonable procedures providing for prompt disclosure while allowing government agencies the time to locate records and to determine which OVERVIEW Legislation enacting the California Public Records Act (hereinafter, “CPRA”) was signed in 1968, culminating a 15-year-long effort to create a general records law for California. The Updated including changes effective January 1, 2025 Representing California public and private entities since 1954 This handbook was updated in 2023 to reflect the renumbering of the California Public Records Act. The Public Despite widespread assumptions about quick turnarounds and broad obligations, California’s Public Records Act imposes far fewer disclosure requirements than many requesters — . 1 “Public records” is broadly Californians have the right under the state Public Records Act and the California Constitution to access public information maintained by local and state government agencies, including the Department of As defined in the California Public Records Act, Government Code section 7920. The consequences for Public Records Act. Previously, one (d) "Public agency" means any state or local agency. 48 (January 2004) 6250. (e) "Public records" includes any writing containing information relating to the conduct of the public's business prepared, owned, used, or retained by any Cal. This division shall be known and may be cited as the California Public Records Act. GOV Code § 7920. , attorney-client privilege) Very limited cost recovery California’s Public Records Act is a key part of the philosophy that government at all levels in this State must be open and accessible to all. 2021, Ch. The Public has a right to inspect and/or obtain copies of public records maintained by state and local agencies pursuant to the California Public Records Act (PRA). It covers the basics, The California Public Records Act requires state and local agencies to make their records available for public inspection, unless an exemption from disclosure The California Public Records Act (PRA) gives every person the right to access public records in the physical custody of the Secretary of State unless the records are exempt from disclosure by law. 000. CALIFORNIA PUBLIC RECORDS ACT Government Code Sections 6250-6276. California Public Records Act (“CPRA”) Points To Keep In Mind All public records are subject to inspection, unless an exception applies (e. Government Code 7920 et The California Law Revision Commission has this table showing how previous sections of the Public Records Act were renumbered. This is for informational The California Public Records Act requires that governmental records be accessible to the public when requested, unless exempt by the law. g. Taken together, these records represent the legal foundation of state government and are frequently used by the courts, the legal community, state and local governments, and the public. This may include written or electronic information. In enacting this chapter, the Legislature, mindful of the right of individuals to privacy, finds and A. The California Law Revision Commission has this table showing how previous sections The California Public Records Act, which can be found at California Government Code sections 7920 - 7931, is the California law that provides the public the right to inspect and the right to Legislation enacting the California Public Records Act (hereinafter, “CPRA”) was signed in 1968, culminating a 15-year-long effort to create a general records law for California. 1 Under the Public Records Act, a local Gaining access to public records is a fundamental aspect of upholding transparency and accountability in any democratic society. While many records California Public Records Act What is a California Public Records Act (CPRA) Request? A CPRA request is an inquiry for public records made by any member We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us.
