Submit a California Public Records Act Request | Contact (2024)

FAQs

How do I submit a public records act request in California? ›

Prompt access to public records is required by the CPRA (Government Code 6253). However, the agency has 10 days to respond to the request, either providing the information, or may provide a detailed explanation as to what information may be released or what cannot because it is protected by law.

Depending on the circ*mstances, the following fees may apply: The fee for preparing a copy of any law, resolution, record, or other document on file in the Secretary of State's Office is one dollar ($1.00) for the first page and fifty cents ($0.50) for each page thereafter. (Government Code section 12178.1(a)).

Dear Public Official: Pursuant to the [your state's public records law], I would like to obtain a copy of the following public records: [Be sure to describe the records sought with enough detail, or as the statute indicates, for the public agency to understand the request and be able to respond.]

The following are some of the most frequent exemptions: Preliminary drafts or notes not normally retained, provided the public interest in withholding outweighs the public interest in disclosure (Government Code § 7927.500). Personnel, medical, and similar files (Government Code § 7927.700).

A consumer may call a toll-free number 833-479-2272 to request personal information as described in the CCPA. The consumer may also fill out an online form.

The California Public Records Act (PRA) provides for a right of access to public records and other information.

Effective January 1, 2023, the California Public Records Act (CPRA) has a new location within the Government Code, complete with relabeled organizational headings that improve navigating the statute.

Chapter 161, Statutes of 2024.) The California Public Records Act requires state and local agencies to make their records available for public inspection, except as specified.

The California Public Records Act, which can be found at California Government Code sections 7920 - 7931, is the California law that provides the public the right to inspect and the right to promptly obtain copies of "public records." The purpose of the Act is to provide access to information that enables the public to ...

What data is exempt from CPRA? ›

“CPRA does not apply to medical information governed by the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act or protected health information under HIPAA and the HITECH Act.” This exemption ensures that existing federal privacy regulations for health data are not superseded or duplicated by CPRA provisions.

6250. In enacting this chapter, the Legislature, mindful of the right of individuals to privacy, finds and declares that access to information concerning the conduct of the people's business is a fundamental and necessary right of every person in this state. 6251.

Sample Letter of Request

Dear [Recipient's Name], I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to kindly request [state your request] and seek your assistance in this matter. [Provide a brief introduction explaining your background and the purpose of your request.]

The PRA requires public agencies to initially respond to a request for records within ten calendar days ​(this time limit may be extended by 14 days in certain circ*mstances).

If the information you want is not publicly available, you can submit a FOIA request to the agency's FOIA Office. The request simply must be in writing and reasonably describe the records you seek. Most federal agencies now accept FOIA requests electronically, including by web form, e-mail or fax.

Although the CPRA contains no limitation on that remedy, California law imposes a three year statute of limitations on any cause of action created by statute. Additionally, some state agencies required to write guidelines for CPRA may have administrative appeals.