(a) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:

(1) “Unusual circumstances” means only the following:

(A) The need to search for and collect the requested records from field facilities or other establishments that are separate from the office processing the request.

(B) The need to search for, collect, and appropriately examine a voluminous amount of separate and distinct records that are demanded in a single request.

(C) The need to consult with another agency having a substantial interest in the determination of whether to respond to the request.

(2) “Public records” means any public record, as defined in § 7920.530 of the Government Code, of the department relating to this chapter, Chapter 6.7 (commencing with Section 25280), or Part 2 (commencing with Section 78000) of Division 45. “Public records” includes unprinted information relating to this chapter, Chapter 6.7 (commencing with Section 25280), or Part 2 (commencing with Section 78000) of Division 45 that is stored in data or word processing equipment either owned by an employee and located on premises under control of the department or owned by the department.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the department shall not limit the hours during the normal working day or limit the number of working days during which public records are open for inspection.

(c) (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the department shall make public records that are not exempt from disclosure by law, including Division 10 (commencing with Section 7920.000) of Title 1 of the Government Code, promptly available to any person, within the time limits specified in subdivision (a) of § 7922.535 of the Government Code, upon payment of a fee established by the department to cover the direct costs of duplication, as specified in subdivision (f). In addition, a person requesting copies by mail may be required to pay the mailing costs.

(2) If any portion of a record is exempt from disclosure, the part that is not exempt shall be provided as prescribed in this section.

(d) Any person may request access to, or copies of, public records of the department in person or by mail. A request shall reasonably describe an identifiable record or information to be produced therefrom.

(e) If the department determines that an unusual circumstance exists, the department shall comply with the notification procedures and the time limits specified in subdivisions (b) and (c) of § 7922.535 of the Government Code.

(f) The department shall, upon request, provide any person with the facts upon which it bases its determination of the direct costs of copying for each page that is requested. The department shall not impose a minimum fee for a copy of a public record that is greater than its direct per page copying costs and the department shall not impose limits on the types or amounts of public records that the department will provide to persons requesting these records, upon payment of any fees covering the direct costs of duplication by the department.

(g) This section does not authorize the department, or any employee of the department, to delay access for purposes of inspecting or obtaining copies of public records, unless there are unusual circumstances.

(h) Any denial of a request for records shall set forth in writing the reasons for the denial and the names and titles or positions of each person responsible for the denial. This written response shall be provided to the requester within five working days of the denial.

(Amended (as amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 615, Sec. 241) by Stats. 2022, Ch. 258, Sec. 40. (AB 2327) Effective January 1, 2023. Operative January 1, 2024, pursuant to Sec. 130 of Stats. 2022, Ch. 258.)