FAC Supports Bill Protecting Protesters
“The widespread use of rubber bullets and tear gas against protesters following the death of George Floyd have made it clear that limitations on the use of these tactics are necessary.”
As a nonprofit, we do not lobby the California Legislature. However, we do engage in oversight of the legislative process, working with legislators and committee staffs, and providing testimony in support of First Amendment-friendly bills, and against bills that would turn the clock back. In a major effort, the Coalition authored and sponsored FOI legislation, ultimately put before the voters and enacted in 2004 as “Proposition 59,” to amend the California constitution to include a right to open-government.
“The widespread use of rubber bullets and tear gas against protesters following the death of George Floyd have made it clear that limitations on the use of these tactics are necessary.”
Local governments could abuse the provisions of AB 361 and evade the Brown Act’s transparency requirements if they declare a local emergency.
The bill would enhance public participation in local and state government meetings by ensuring constituents have opportunities to join and comment in person or remotely.
AB 268 runs afoul of the First Amendment and would allow a troubling level of secrecy in death investigations.
SB 16 would expand the types of police actions that would be subject to the California Public Records Act.
FAC supports the measure introduced by state Sen. Mike McGuire that would strengthen press protections at the scene of protests.