Bill > S02004

This bill amends the Public Officers Law to permit the assessment of reasonable attorney's fees and litigation costs against an agency that wrongfully denies access to records under the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL). The bill allows for the assessment of these fees and costs when the person seeking access has substantially prevailed, or when the agency failed to respond within the statutory time frame. Additionally, the fees and costs must be assessed when the person substantially prevailed and the agency had no reasonable basis for denying access. The bill also clarifies that the provisions do not abridge or deny any other rights or remedies available under the Civil Practice Law and Rules.