California · Corporations Code

CORP §31504: (a) All applications, reports and other papers and documents filed with the commissioner under this law shall be open to public inspection, except that the commissioner may, in his discretion, withhol

Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

Filing documents with a commissioner are generally public unless withheld at the commissioner's discretion. It is unlawful for the commissioner or staff to use non-public information for personal benefit.

Read the full statutory text
(a) All applications, reports and other papers and documents filed with the commissioner under this law shall be open to public inspection, except that the commissioner may, in his discretion, withhold from public inspection any information the disclosure of which is, in the judgment of the commissioner, not necessary in the public interest or for the protection of investors. The commissioner may publish any information filed with him or obtained by him, if, in the judgment of the commissioner, such action is in the public interest. No provision of this law authorizes the commissioner or any of his assistants, clerks, or deputies to disclose any information withheld from public inspection except among themselves or when necessary or appropriate in a proceeding or investigation under this law or to other federal or state regulatory agencies. No provision of this law either creates or derogates from any privilege which exists at common law or otherwise when documentary or other evidence is sought under a subpoena directed to the commissioner or any of his assistants, clerks, or deputies. (b) It is unlawful for the commissioner or any of his assistants, clerks, or deputies to use for personal benefit any information which is filed with or obtained by the commissioner and which is not then generally available to the public.

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.