Proposition 59, adding to the California Constitution a fundamental right to open government, was approved by voters last week by an overwhelming 83.2 percent margin.
The newly passed California Proposition 59 affirms our state Constitutional rights, and those confirmed by statute, to access government agency records that are not already deemed confidential. The shift in emphasis, that exceptions to the rule of access be interpreted narrowly, is perhaps most significant.
A statute, court rule, or other authority, including those in effect on the effective date of this subdivision, shall be broadly construed if it furthers the people’s right of access, and narrowly construed if it limits the right of access.
Keep this in mind, and carry a copy, as well as the text to the California Public Records Act, when going to any government agency to review documents.
