Bill to fix records act change heads to governor

The state Senate is sending a bill to the governor to fix previous legislation that threatened to reduce public access to government documents.

Lawmakers approved a bill Monday to replace legislation lawmakers approved as part of the state budget that made complying with the California Public Records Act optional for local agencies.

The change would have meant the state would not have to reimburse the agencies for responding to requests for public information. Media outlets and open government advocates blasted the reversal, saying it would jeopardize transparency.

The replacement measure, SB71, passed the Senate 28-11 after passing the Assembly last week. Gov. Jerry Brown is expected to sign it.

Lawmakers this week will consider a proposed constitutional amendment mandating that local governments comply with the law at their own expense.