FAC

Q: I would like to know if the footage captured by body cameras and their recording devices a public record? A: The anticipated rise in use of body cameras by police does indeed mean there will also be an increase in “records” that could be subject to open records laws in various states. In many states, police investigatory records are subject to public records laws, which means, presumptively, body camera footage would be subject to disclosure unless some

Q: Recently I learned our City Manager approved the implementation of a significant change to a public fee-paid service without presenting it for a city council review or approval, thus also without ever notifying the affected public as a whole or the media of the change. Impacted residents were individually notified to comply with the change only when their turn came up in a multi-year implementation plan. As his authority for doing so, the CM cites

Q: It seems like neither the Brown Act nor Bagley-Keene applies to the CA legislature. What law governs the process through which the CA legislature, including committees, considers laws and informs the public of opportunity to comment at hearings. And are there laws that prevent a committee for adding a last-minute amendment (without notice) to a bill that has little connection to the original bill? A: You are correct that neither the Brown Act nor Bagley-Keen

Q: I filed a complaint alleging the violation of the corporate practice of medicine by a large California Corporation. The complaint was filed with the Medical Board of California. After many months I was informed the case was closed. I asked for access to their files of the investigation and was informed that it was exempt from disclosure California Government Code § 6254 (f). My interpretation of the statute is that it refers to law enforcement

Q: My laptop was taken in a burglary.  When the police located it, it had been bought and sold twice people who had it innocently bought it off Craig’s List. Those people are listed as “witness” on the police report. Police refuse to identify them to me because 1) they don’t release witness identities 2) release their identity to me would endanger them (witnesses). Needless to say, the identity of people who had access to my most