Establishes an independent Office of Open Records within the Office of Administrative Hearings to provide appellate review of legal actions involving public records requests. State agencies may voluntarily agree to use this process on a fiscal year basis. Parties filing an appeal under this act must do so within 30 days of an agency’s unsatisfactory action on a public records request and must pay the legal fees created by rulemaking. The Office of Open Records may deny any appeal. Third parties may intervene in the process with a showing of assistance to the parties without creating delay and the denial or acceptance of an intervening party is not subject to judicial review. The Office of Open Records may not award any costs, penalties, or attorneys’ fees. Judicial decisions rendered in this process are subject to review by a Superior Court. This act takes effect January, 1, 2012. (Companion: SB 5237).   Official Text and Analysis.