A3583

Authorizes Government Records Council to use annual appropriations to employ staff attorneys to assist in handling complaints.

Authorizes the Government Records Council to use annual appropriations to employ staff attorneys exclusively to assist the council in handling complaints. The bill responds to concerns that the GRC does not process complaints in a timely manner. The staff attorneys will receive, hear, review, and adjudicate complaints filed concerning a denial of access to a government record by a records custodian. The GRC will also establish an informal mediation program to facilitate the resolution of disputes regarding access to government records.