Advocacy

Fighting for your right to know

We engage in public and legal advocacy around crucial issues affecting government transparency, press rights, and the people’s right to know, with a focus on California state and local policy and practices. This work includes influencing legislation, responding to threats to freedom of the press and freedom of expression, and enforcing freedom of information laws.

FAC prioritizes advocacy involving California sunshine laws, including the California Public Records Act and the Ralph M. Brown Act, along with freedom of expression and newsgathering rights.

FAC Supports CA Senate Bill 1244 to Protect Public Records Requesters

May 2, 2018
- Government Transparency and Accountability
- Public Records
CA Senate Bill 1421 Would Bring Desperately Needed Transparency to Police Misconduct Files

April 9, 2018
- Government Transparency and Accountability
- Public Records
FAC Urges California Highway Patrol to Release Public Records Relating to 2016 California State Capitol Violence

February 16, 2018
- Government Transparency and Accountability
- Public Records
FAC To LAPD: Police Bodycam Footage is a Public Record and Must Be Released

June 8, 2017
- Government Transparency and Accountability
- Public Records
California Assembly Bill 1479 Would Add Much-Needed Teeth to Disclosure Requirements Under the California Public Records Act

April 20, 2017
- Government Transparency and Accountability
- Public Records
SB 331, a secrecy bill masquerading as a transparency bill, deserves a veto

September 16, 2015
- Government Transparency and Accountability
- Public Records
FAC urges ‘NO’ vote on San Francisco’s Prop E

September 9, 2015
- Public Meetings
California’s Computer Privacy Laws Require a Critical Update: SB 178 is it.

August 20, 2015
- Government Transparency and Accountability
FAC-backed bill, AB 521, would require disclosure of water usage by corporations

June 30, 2015
- Government Transparency and Accountability
- Public Records
Brown signs SB 1300, but calls on Legislature to fix public access issues

October 17, 2014
- Government Transparency and Accountability
- Public Records
FAC’s letter to Gov Brown, urging veto of SB 1300

September 17, 2014
- Government Transparency and Accountability
- Public Records
Gov Brown, Veto SB 1300. Ostensibly about oil refineries, SB 1300 threatens public access rights.

September 9, 2014
- Government Transparency and Accountability
- Public Records

LETTER

Coalition Demands California Officials Respect Role of Press at Homeless Encampment Sweeps

Dozens of groups called on state officials to respect the role of the press in observing and documenting sweeps of homeless encampments.

See the Letter