TO: CITY OF CUPERTINO
LEGISLATIVE REVIEW COMMITTEE
FROM: ANTHONY, JASON, AND PAUL GONSALVES
SUBJECT: CONSIDER ADOPTING A POSITION ON AB 1821 (PACHECO) CALIFORNIA PUBLIC RECORDS ACT: AGENCY RESPONSE
TIME
DATE: JUNE 1, 2026
Bill Information:
The official text of AB 1821 can be found here1.
Summary:
AB 1821 proposes to extend the time public agencies have to respond to public records requests by changing the existing deadlines from calendar days to business days.
Specifically, agencies must determine whether a request seeks disclosable public records in their possession and notify the requester within 10 business days. In certain unusual circumstances, agencies may extend this determination period by providing written notice, allowing up to an additional 14 business days beyond the initial 10-day deadline.
Support:
Support has been expressed by the League of California Cities (sponsor) and the cities of Buena Park, LA Verne, Newport Beach and Upland.
Others in support include, Alameda County Office of Education, Association of California School Administrators, California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO), California Municipal Clerks Association (CMCA), California Special Districts 1 https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1821 Association, California State Association of Counties, California State Sheriffs' Association, Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) and Urban Counties of California (UCC)
Opposition:
Opposition has been expressed by ACLU California Action, Buen Vecino, California Common CAUSE, California News Publishers Association, Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice, Construction Industry Force Account Council, Corporation for Supportive Housing, Disability Rights California, First Amendment Coalition, Justice in Aging, Justice2jobs Coalition, LA Defensa and Western Center on Law & Poverty.
Status:
AB 1821 passed out of the Assembly Judiciary Committee 8-2 and the Assembly Appropriations Committee 11-2. The bill is now on the Assembly Floor and is eligible to be heard at any time.
Legislative Platform:
This bill falls under Cupertino’s 2026 Legislative Platform in the Government Transparency section Page 5, Item #1, “The City supports government transparency, public access to required meetings and records, and legislation that facilitates these principles while still allowing for necessary municipal operations and services.” Recommended Action:
Adopt a support position on AB 1821 and authorize the Mayor to send letters to the state legislature.