A proposal by the state's judicial branch to charge $10 to view a public file at the Santa Rosa courthouse is being criticized by those who say it would limit access to public information.

A spokesman for the Judicial Council, the policymaking body of the courts, tells the Santa Rosa Press Democrat the search fee would generate $6 million annually.

But open government advocates and some journalists say it will create an unfair financial barrier to public documents.

The new search fee is among 11 recommendations from a panel of judges, lawyers and legislators that have been sent to Sacramento for inclusion in Gov. Jerry Brown's budget.

The newspaper says the proposals are expected to raise $30 million statewide.

A man charged in the hazing death of a Florida A&M drum major is going to plead guilty and cooperate with prosecutors, his attorney said Friday.

Caleb Jackson will plead guilty to felony hazing and manslaughter as soon as April, attorney Chuck Hobbs said at a hearing at the Orange County Courthouse.

Jackson currently is being held in the Leon County Jail for violating his probation.

Drum major Robert Champion died in November 2011 in Orlando after he collapsed following what prosecutors say was a savage beating during a hazing ritual. A dozen former Florida A&M band members have been charged with manslaughter and felony hazing.

"He has two hopes, the first being able to help the state with respect to understanding and getting a clearer picture of what happened the night Robert Champion died," Hobbs said. "He is hopeful that he can play some small part in bringing closure to the family."

Hobbs said no promises or guarantees have been made by prosecutors regarding Jackson's cooperation.

A New York City man accused of killing and dismembering his mother has appeared at his arraignment on a murder charge wearing a large garbage bag.

Bahsid McLean was held without bail following his Bronx court appearance Thursday.

His attorney says his client had been urinating on himself and had no other clean clothing. He says he is off medication, and will undergo a psychiatric evaluation.

The criminal complaint says McLean stabbed Tanya Byrd and then cut up her body with help from another man.

A resident walking his dog came across the remains early Tuesday. Police say they were stuffed in four bags and scattered along four blocks.

The second suspect, William Harris, was arraigned on charges that include hindering prosecution. There was no immediate information on his attorney.