Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 10

Introduced by Senator Yee

February 5, 2013

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 10—Relative to Open-Data Day.

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL’S DIGEST

SCR 10, as introduced, Yee. Open-Data-Day.

This measure would proclaim February 23, 2013, as Open-Data Day.

Fiscal committee: no.

WHEREAS, “Open data” refers to information generated by
public sector entities that is legally accessible and made available
to the public electronically; and

WHEREAS, Public use of open data from government agencies
offers an avenue toward a more open and transparent government;
and

WHEREAS, The State of California recognizes that government
functions best with an informed and engaged citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Increased access of electronic public records
contributes to improved oversight by members of the public and
contributes to more accountability on the part of public officials;
and

WHEREAS, The availability of open data increases efficiency
and stimulates innovation; and

WHEREAS, The State of California seeks to encourage the
software community to develop applications and tools to collect,
organize, and share public data in new ways; and

WHEREAS, The State of California seeks to encourage local
governments and agencies to make available more public
information, and to have the public information be more useful
and easier to access; and

WHEREAS, The State of California encourages state and local
public agencies to adopt and publicize practices consistent with
this encouragement; and

WHEREAS, The purpose of Open-Data Day is to encourage
participation in government and increase citizens’ access to public
information; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly
thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby proclaims February
23, 2013, as Open-Data Day; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of
this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.