Bill > S05752

This bill amends the Public Officers Law to add new definitions of "state agency" and "head of agency". It also modifies the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) to require state agencies to respond to records requests within specific timeframes. If an agency fails to respond within 30 days, the head of the agency must review the request, direct the agency to make a determination within 45 days, and ensure the records are made available within 90 days. The bill also creates a new criminal offense of "criminal failure to comply with the freedom of information law" for the governor, senior staff, or heads of state agencies who intentionally fail to fulfill their duties under FOIL. This new offense is a class B misdemeanor, and public funds cannot be used to pay any fines or legal fees associated with it.