How do I file a public records request in California?

1. Statute. California Public Records Act, recodified in 2023 at Gov. Code § 7920.000 et seq. (formerly § 6250). The CPRA presumes openness and is construed broadly in favor of disclosure under Cal. Const. art. I, § 3(b).

2. Who Can Request. Any person—citizenship and residency are not required. Commercial requesters, journalists, and the public have equal access.

3. Form of Request. Written or oral, though written (email) is recommended. Describe records with reasonable specificity. The agency must assist in identifying responsive records (§ 7922.600).

4. Agency Response Deadline. 10 calendar days to determine whether disclosable records exist (§ 7922.535). May extend 14 days for unusual circumstances. Records must be produced promptly thereafter; the statute does not set a hard production deadline.

5. Fees. Direct cost of duplication only—typically $0.10-$0.25 per page. No search or review fees for paper records. Electronic records: data-compilation cost if extraordinary programming is required (§ 7922.575).

6. Exemptions. Personnel/medical files, attorney-client privilege, attorney work product, pending litigation, law enforcement investigatory records, deliberative process, trade secrets, CORI, and the catch-all balancing test in § 7922.000.

7. Redaction. Agency must segregate and release non-exempt portions (§ 7922.525).

8. Denial & Appeal. Written denial citing the specific exemption is required. No administrative appeal exists; requesters proceed directly to court.

9. Court Action. Petition for writ of mandate under § 7923.000 in superior court. Expedited briefing.

10. Penalties. Prevailing requester recovers reasonable attorney fees and costs (§ 7923.115)—a mandatory award. No civil fines, but agency may be ordered to comply.

This is legal information, not legal advice.