Public Records Could Become Private

Assembly Bill 1337 (Ward) would expand the state’s Information Privacy Act, which prohibits state agencies from disclosing individuals’ personal information without first obtaining consent of the individual whose information is being disclosed, to local agencies, including assessors and county recorders.

​CLTA is opposed to the measure on the basis that it does not contain an exemption for recording or assessment information, and could therefore be interpreted to prohibit disclosure of real property and/or tax records by local agencies. The bill passed the Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee on a vote of 12-0 and is pending on the Suspense File of the Assembly Appropriations Committee, where it may be considered after the adoption of the state budget.