Bill > A05707

This bill amends the Public Officers Law to provide that FOIL (Freedom of Information Law) appeals are to be heard by the Committee on Open Government, rather than the head, chief executive, or governing body of the entity that denied the FOIL request. The bill also makes changes to the process for appealing FOIL denials, including shifting the burden of proof to the Committee on Open Government to justify the denial, and creating timelines and preference for appeals to the appellate division. The bill aims to streamline the FOIL appeal process and ensure independent oversight of FOIL denials.