Bill > A00834

This bill proposes adding a new constitutional section that establishes a fundamental right of people to access public information and participate in government transparency. Specifically, the bill would create a constitutional guarantee that citizens have the right to inspect and copy government records, as well as be notified about and attend public meetings, with the stipulation that these rights cannot be "unreasonably restricted". The proposed amendment frames access to public information as a critical component of democratic processes and public deliberation. The bill also includes a procedural requirement that the proposed constitutional amendment must be referred to the first regular legislative session after the next general election of assembly members, and must be publicly published for three months prior to that election, in accordance with existing constitutional procedures for amending the state constitution.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A834