Posted by Brad Crouch on July 05, 2009 at 02:50:33:
In Reply to: Re: Best CA paid data/doc source? posted by Rob on July 02, 2009 at 21:12:30:
Rob,
The Freedom of Information Act is not only a Federal Law, but it only works with Federal Agencies.
Each state has their own statute. For example, here in California it's called the California Public Records Act. Invoking this name is supposed to get you some kind of answer within ten days . . . even if the answer is to tell you that more time will be required. This is supposed to give the agency up to two more additional weeks to respond.
However, my own experience has shown that if they don't want to give you the information, the city or county agencies will find a way not to furnish the information you seek.
Usually they will try to convince you that this state law doesn't apply to them. Their response to a lawyer would probably be different, in my view.
I must admit that I've never tried invoking the Public Records Act to any "non-governmental" entity.
Brad