Bill > AB370

This bill amends the California Public Records Act to modify how state and local agencies handle public records requests during unusual circumstances, specifically focusing on cyberattacks and states of emergency. The bill expands the definition of "unusual circumstances" to include situations where an agency cannot access its electronic servers or systems due to a cyberattack, allowing agencies to extend their response time to public records requests until they regain access to their systems. For states of emergency, the bill requires that the emergency not just currently affect the agency's ability to respond to records requests, but also directly affect it. The bill clarifies that during a cyberattack, agencies must still respond to records requests if the requested documents are available in non-electronic formats or located in unaffected systems. The legislation aims to balance the public's right to access government records with agencies' operational challenges during emergencies or cyber incidents, ensuring that agencies have reasonable flexibility to respond to records requests while maintaining transparency. The bill also includes legislative findings affirming that these modifications are consistent with constitutional requirements for public access to government records and do not require additional state reimbursement to local agencies.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB370