Bill > A00578

This bill amends the New York Public Officers Law to require public bodies to post video recordings of their open meetings on their websites within five business days of the meeting and maintain these recordings for at least five years. The legislation expands existing requirements for government transparency by replacing more narrow language about "agencies or authorities" with broader terminology of "public bodies". Previously, the law encouraged broadcasting and streaming meetings "to the extent practicable and within available funds", but this bill makes the video recording and posting requirements more specific and mandatory. Public bodies with websites and high-speed internet connections must now ensure that their open meetings are not only streamed in real-time but also recorded and made available online for an extended period. The bill eliminates detailed definitions of "agency" and "authority" that were previously in the law, potentially broadening the scope of organizations affected by these transparency requirements. The legislation takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A578