SB 201: California Public Records Act.

The California Public Records Act requires state and local agencies to make public records available for inspection, subject to certain exceptions. Under existing law, a person may seek injunctive or declaratory relief or a writ of mandate to enforce his or her right to inspect or receive a copy of a public record, as specified. Under existing case law, an agencys decision to release confidential records pursuant to the California Public Records Act is reviewable by a petition for a writ of mandate.

This bill would require a court, in an action by a third party to enjoin disclosure of a public record or declaratory relief concerning a request to inspect a public record, to apply the provisions of the California Public Records Act as if the action had been initiated by a person requesting disclosure of a public record. The bill would also require the third party seeking an injunction or declaratory relief to provide notice to the person whose request prompted the action at the same time the defendant public agency in the action is served.