Assembly To Consider Limiting Access To Divorce Records

Sacramento, CA — A bill that would have an impact on privacy rights during divorce proceedings will be considered by state lawmakers this week.

An Assembly committee is scheduled to consider a bill tomorrow that would require a judge overseeing a divorce to redact the couple´s financial information from court records, if one of the spouses requests it.

Supporters say the measure would protect personal privacy. Opponents see it as a threat to open courts and an outgrowth of the old issue of money influencing politics.

The Legislature enacted a similar law in 2004, but a state appeals court struck it down in January as a violation of the First Amendment.