Bill > A00522

This bill amends the New York Public Officers Law to modify requirements for making agency records available to the public before open meetings. Specifically, the bill removes the existing language that allowed agencies to make records available "to the extent practicable at least twenty-four hours" prior to a meeting, which effectively weakened the requirement. Under the new provision, agencies will be required to make records such as proposed resolutions, laws, rules, regulations, policies, and their amendments available upon request before the meeting where they will be discussed. If an agency has a regularly updated website with a high-speed internet connection, these records should be posted online. The bill maintains existing provisions that allow agencies to charge a reasonable fee for copies of records, consistent with existing freedom of information guidelines. While agencies are encouraged to post these documents, they are not required to spend additional money to implement this requirement. The amendment aims to increase government transparency by ensuring that the public has more direct and timely access to documents that will be discussed in open meetings.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A522