AB 2138 Summary

• Recodifies and reorganizes the California Public Records Act (CPRA) from Chapter 3.5 of Division 7 of Title 1 to Division 10 of Title 1 of the Government Code in a more user-friendly structure without substantive changes to the law.

• Becomes operative on January 1, 2022, with the existing CPRA chapter repealing on that date to avoid duplication.

• Includes provisions clarifying that the recodification is entirely nonsubstantive and that prior judicial decisions, Attorney General opinions, and constitutional determinations regarding the original provisions remain relevant to interpretation of the recodified sections.

• Maintains all existing exemptions from public disclosure, including records related to law enforcement, health care, financial institutions, trade secrets, and personal privacy protections.

• Provides that all cross-references and references to previously existing provisions continue to apply to the recodified sections, ensuring the act's operation remains unchanged despite the reorganization.