Bill > AB541

This bill establishes the Office of the California Public Records Act Ombudsperson, a new state government position designed to help improve transparency and access to public records. The ombudsperson, who must be a licensed attorney with at least five years of experience and expertise in the California Public Records Act, will be appointed by the Governor and will have the power to review and investigate situations where state agencies have denied public records requests. When a member of the public believes a state agency has improperly denied their original public records request, they can submit a request for review to the ombudsperson, who must then investigate and make a determination within 30 days. If the ombudsperson finds that the agency improperly withheld records, the agency will be required to provide those records. The bill also includes provisions to protect the privacy of individuals whose information might be contained in the reviewed records, and requires the ombudsperson to submit annual reports to the Legislature detailing their activities, the number of review requests, and recommendations for improving government transparency. This office is established on a temporary basis, set to expire on January 1, 2029, and its implementation is subject to legislative appropriation. The overall goal is to provide an additional mechanism for ensuring public access to government records while maintaining necessary confidentiality protections.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB541