FAC Opposes Bills that Weaken Open-Meetings Protections
Lawmakers should reject SB 544, SB 537, and SB 411.
We 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.
Lawmakers should reject SB 544, SB 537, and SB 411.
Act now to ensure a state agency can’t shield police misconduct records.
Proposal would give a major police oversight agency a carve-out from California Public Records Act obligations.
This bill would reduce barriers to public information by prohibiting California courts from charging unreasonable fees to search, view or download electronic records on court websites.
Senate Bill 254 would ensure journalists have meaningful access to California prisons and local jails and the ability to seek interviews with incarcerated people.
The bill would ensure the public and press access to law enforcement radio transmissions.