CA AB541

Creates the Office of the California Public Records Act Ombudsperson, appointed by the Governor, to review denials of public records requests made to state agencies and issue written opinions on whether denials complied with the law

Requires the ombudsperson to make determinations within 30 days of receiving a review request, with extensions allowed for unusual circumstances; state agencies must provide records if the ombudsperson determines they were improperly denied

Allows state agencies to appeal ombudsperson determinations to superior court for de novo review; if the court affirms the ombudsperson's decision, the requester is entitled to court costs and attorney's fees

Establishes privacy protections by creating a process for individuals whose information appears in reviewed records to intervene and assert their privacy rights

Requires annual reports to the Legislature beginning March 31, 2027, including statistics on review requests and proposals for improving transparency; the office sunsets on January 1, 2029, and is subject to legislative appropriation