Bill > S03940

This bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the executive and legislative branches of New York state government. It establishes strict standards for the permanent preservation of electronic records, including emails, from policymakers and other government officials. The bill requires agencies to transfer these records to the State Archives within a specified timeframe. It also extends the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) to the state legislature, allowing the public to access the same types of information from the legislative branch as they can from the executive branch and local government agencies. The bill includes provisions for enforcing the records retention requirements and awarding legal costs and attorney's fees to successful petitioners in certain cases. Additionally, the bill repeals several existing laws related to access to state legislative and executive records.