Sections of Public Records Act 2004

By Lawrence Paul "Larry" Stein

Citizens rights to Public Information

6253 (c): Each agency, upon a request for a copy of records, shall, within 10 days from receipt of the request, determine whether the request, in whole or in part, seeks copies of disclosable public records in possession of the agency and shall promptly notify the person making the request of the determination and the reasons therefore. In unusual circumstances, the time limit prescribed in this section may be extended by written notice by the head of the agency or his or her designee to the person making the request, setting forth the reasons for the extension and the date on which a determination is expected to be dispatched. No notice for shall specify a date that would result in an extension for more than 14 days.

6253 (4 d): Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to permit an agency to delay or obstruct the inspection or copying of public records. The notification of denial of any request for records required by Section 6255 shall set forth the names and titles or positions of each person responsible for the denial.

6253.1 (a): When a member of the public requests to inspect a public record or obtain a copy of a public record, the public agency, in order to assist the member of the public make a focused and effective requests that reasonable describes an identifiable record or records shall do all of the following, to the extent reasonable under the circumstances: 1) Assist the member of the public to identify records and information that are responsive to the request or the purpose of the request if stated. 2) Describe the information technology and the physical location in which the records exist. 3) Provide suggestions for overcoming any practical basis for denying access to the records or information sought.