Bill > S08128

This bill amends the Public Officers Law to establish new time frames for responding to requests for records under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The key provisions are: 1. Agencies must acknowledge receipt of a FOIA request within 5 business days and provide a statement of the approximate date, not to exceed 30 days, when the request will be granted or denied. If the agency fails to provide this acknowledgement, the request is deemed denied and can be appealed. 2. Agencies may only extend the response date beyond 30 days if they are granting the request in whole or in part and need additional time, but the response must be provided no later than 60 days from the original request. If a full response is not issued within 60 days, the request is deemed denied and can be appealed. 3. Agencies cannot deny a request on the basis that it is voluminous or burdensome if the agency can engage an outside service to provide the necessary copies or services. 4. Agencies must accept FOIA requests submitted by email and respond electronically where practicable. The bill aims to establish clearer and more enforceable time frames for responding to FOIA requests in New York, providing requesters with more certainty about when they can expect a response.