Bill > S00783

This bill modifies the requirements for municipal websites in New York, specifically providing flexibility for smaller municipalities with populations under 1,500 people. Under the new provisions, municipalities with populations of 1,500 or more must maintain an official ".gov" website that includes basic information such as hours of operation, elected officials, services provided, and a plain-language privacy policy. These municipalities must also publish municipal meeting agendas and minutes, election and hearing notices, and up-to-date municipal codes and laws. For municipalities with fewer than 1,500 residents, the website requirements are now described as needing to be followed "to the extent practicable," which provides more lenient implementation. The bill also allows smaller municipalities to satisfy the website requirement by hosting their site on another municipal corporation's URL. Additionally, the effective date of the original law has been changed to one year after becoming law, giving municipalities more time to comply with the new regulations. The changes aim to balance transparency needs with the potential resource constraints of smaller local governments.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S783