This bill increases transparency in government by creating an independent CPRA ombudsperson to review denied public records requests. AB 541 empowers citizens, journalists, and watchdog groups by giving them a faster, cheaper alternative to court when public agencies wrongfully withhold records. If a denial is found to be improper, the ombudsperson can order the immediate release of the documents. The bill also requires annual reporting to the Legislature to track how many requests were denied and overturned holding government agencies accountable to the public.
