Record of state and federal spending
Q: What would it take to compel the California legislature and judiciary to make public all records pertaining to how state and federal tax monies are spent?
Would not the California Public Records Act have to comply with Federal Law (i.e. Freedom of Information Act)?
If not, could not a suit be brought in federal court seeking an injunction to force the state legislature and judiciary to make public all records of how tax dollars are spent?
A: The federal Freedom of Information Act only covers federal agencies — it does not govern the obligations of state governments. Thus there is no issue of the California Public Records Act “complying” or not with the federal FOIA. Any suit to force a California government agency to comply with its obligations under the Public Records Act or other obligation of California law should thus be filed in the California state court system.