California Assembly Bill AB1246

California 2017-2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/17/17
• Refer: 3/9/17
• Report Pass: 4/5/17
• Refer: 4/5/17
• Refer: 4/26/17
• Failed: 2/1/18

Caption

State publications: distribution.

Impact

The passage of AB 1246 is expected to significantly impact the distribution framework of state publications. By formally allowing the public to replicate and disseminate these publications, the bill aims to break down barriers that may have existed in accessing state-generated information. Users would benefit from a wider availability of resources, which could facilitate improved civic understanding and participation regarding governmental affairs.

Summary

Assembly Bill No. 1246, introduced by Assembly Member Obernolte, is designed to enhance public access to state publications. The bill proposes the addition of Section 14900.5 to the Government Code, which explicitly grants members of the public the right to copy, share, distribute, or republish designated state publications that are authored by the state. This move aligns with the existing policy aimed at making state information freely accessible, thus promoting transparency and public engagement.

Contention

Despite its intentions, the bill may raise concerns among certain stakeholders regarding the potential for misuse of state publications. Opponents could argue that while the intention is to promote transparency, unrestricted reproduction of state documents could lead to misinformation or the unauthorized commercial use of state materials. Therefore, balancing public access with responsible usage and ensuring the integrity of state information remains a crucial point of discussion surrounding AB 1246.