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Events Press Release

For Sunshine Week, CFAC to lead LA discussion on national security and 1st Amendment

Discussion on Open Government will follow L.A. Theatre Works March 13 Production of Pentagon Papers Docudrama California First Amendment Coalition Director Peter Scheer to Lead Panel Washington — Sunshine Week will host a discussion on open government and secrecy issues following a Thursday, March 13, L.A. Theatre Works production of "Top Secret: The Battle […]
- Government Transparency and Accountability
June 2, 2009
Latest News

FAC News Press Release

FAC names free speech award winners–and one loser

The First Amendment Coalition, a California-based non-profit public interest group, has named the 2009 recipients of its awards for service in the cause of free speech, open government and the public's right to know. In contrast, the Coalition also has presented its "Darkness Award," given in recognition of conduct that thwarts freedom of speech. […]
- Government Transparency and Accountability
- Press Freedom
October 22, 2009
Latest News

Blog

California agencies have no business claiming copyright protection for public records

[…] other creative types in the private sector? Yes, but the federal Copyright Act also allows states to elect copyright protection. This is a big deal. Copyright protection for government records poses a real danger because copyright is in direct conflict with the public’s right of access, under state FOI laws, to government records. The whole […]
- Government Transparency and Accountability
June 22, 2016
Asked and Answered

Brown Act CPRA

What Constitutes a Local Agency

[…] need to determine whether the agencies you are requesting from are state or local agencies for purposes of the PRA. The term "local agency" is defined at Government Code section 6252. A local agency is "a county; city, whether general law or chartered; city and county; school district; municipal corporation; district; political subdivision; or […]

June 14, 2009
Asked and Answered

Brown Act CPRA

Regional Centers and the CPRA

[…] lawfully delegated to the nonprofit. Cal. Gov't Code section 54952(c)(1)(A). Typically, entities subject to the Brown Act under this section will be nonprofit corporations established by local government entities for the purpose of constructing, operating, or maintaining a public works project or public facility. See Int'l Longshoremen's & Warehousemen's Union v. Los Angeles Expert […]

June 14, 2009
Asked and Answered

Brown Act

Grounds for Cease & Desist under the Brown Act

[…] within the pending litigation exception. A member of the public who wishes to enforce the Brown Act has a couple of options: (1) a suit over a government entity’s alleged violation of the Act based on that entity’s past violation of the Brown Act (which, from what I understand, is what you seek to […]

March 31, 2016
Asked and Answered

Brown Act

Charter schools and the Brown Act

[…] charter school to see if it fits into either of the categories described above. Bryan Cave LLP is general counsel for the First Amendment Coalition and responds to FAC hotline inquiries. In responding to these inquiries, we can give general information regarding open government and speech issues but cannot provide specific legal advice or representation.

June 1, 2016
Asked and Answered

CPRA

How can I find out if a non-profit is cooking the books?

[…] from these departments are often excluded from public view due to the exemption.) Bryan Cave LLP is general counsel for the First Amendment Coalition and responds to FAC hotline inquiries. In responding to these inquiries, we can give general information regarding open government and speech issues but cannot provide specific legal advice or representation.

May 21, 2015
Asked and Answered

CPRA School Records

Charter schools and the CPRA

[…] governed by or as a not for profit corporation, it would be necessary to consider the last part of the PRA's definition of a "local agency" at Government Code section 6252, which includes an entity that is a "legislative body" under the section 54952(c) and (d) of the Brown Act. That section provides: 54952. […]

June 14, 2009
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About Us

[…] to the health of our democracy — that the values expressed by the First Amendment provide a blueprint for an inclusive, equitable society and a responsive, accountable government. To that end, FAC educates, advocates, and litigates to advance government transparency and First Amendment protections for all. (Board of Directors, June 2022) Our Commitment to […]

June 12, 2024