California Democrat Pushes Bill Increasing Cost For Government Records Requests

A California State Assembly bill has been amended to increase the difficulty and burden for Californians seeking government records. Democrat California Assemblywoman Blanca Pacheco amended CA AB 1821, named the California Public Records Act, on June 10 to allow public agencies to delay and increase charges for “commercial use” records requests. The bill, first introduced in February, was amended to require a $22.35-per-hour administrative fee and a $66.26-per-hour professional fee to be used as compensation for record searches determined to be for “commercial use.” Both fees can also increase by “a cost-of-living adjustment.” Supporters have defended it as a necessary...