Bill > A05470

This bill amends the Public Officers Law and Civil Rights Law to require a particularized and specific justification for denying access to records under the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL). It also exempts certain law enforcement-related records and records identifying victims from disclosure under FOIL. Specifically, the bill requires that when an agency is considering denying access to records based on the exception for interfering with a judicial proceeding, the agency must notify the judge and provide the person requesting the records an opportunity to be heard before the judge makes a determination. Additionally, the bill clarifies that a denial of access to records under FOIL does not limit a party's right to access such records through other legal means, such as the Civil Practice Law and Rules or Criminal Procedure Law.

Government Affairs, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2021/A5470