local
This lawmaker’s proposal could make California ‘the most secretive state in the country’
By Yue Stella Yu | CalMatters at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio)
· June 18, 2026
· 1 min read
Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco in the Assembly in Sacramento on March 13, 2025.(Fred Greaves / CalMatters) In March, Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco introduced a measure that would have made it more expensive for Californians to obtain government records.Amid opposition from transparency advocates a...
Key takeaway (Fred Greaves / CalMatters) In March, Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco introduced a measure that would have made it more expensive for Californians to obtain government records.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The revised proposal from Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco has significant implications for Los Angeles residents who rely on government transparency to hold local officials accountable. If passed, Assembly Bill 1821 would make it more difficult and expensive for Angelenos to access public records, potentially stifling investigative reporting and community oversight. The proposed $88 hourly fee for searching and reviewing records deemed for "commercial use" could be a major obstacle for local journalists, activists, and residents who seek to uncover information about city government decisions and actions. Furthermore, the ability of government agencies to take requests to court if they suspect malicious intent could lead to lengthy and costly legal battles, further eroding the public's right to know. As the city of Los Angeles continues to grapple with issues like public safety, housing, and transportation, the need for transparent and accessible government records is more pressing than ever.
About this story
Original reporting by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: local ·
Published: June 18, 2026 ·
Source: LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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What is this story about? Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco in the Assembly in Sacramento on March 13, 2025.(Fred Greaves / CalMatters) In March, Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco introduced a measure that would have made it more expensive for Californians to obtain government records.Amid opposition from transparency advocates a...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 18, 2026 by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Yue Stella Yu | CalMatters at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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