Making Records Public

Summary: Under current law, if a person requests information from a government agency, and the agency tries to keep it secret, the person requesting the information must show why it should be made public. This measure would essentially reverse the burden of proof. Under the initiative, the government agency would have to demonstrate why the information should remain private.

Supporters: State Sen. John Burton (D-San Francisco) wrote the measure, which was put on the ballot by the Legislature. Supporters include the League of Women Voters, the California Newspaper Publishers Assn. and groups who contend that the measure would make the workings of government more transparent.

Opponents: No organized opposition.

Impact: The measure would increase public access to government meetings and other information. It would allow some governmental meetings, including some legislative gatherings and meetings to discuss personnel matters and litigation, to remain private.

Website: www.prop59.org