Bill > S01666

This bill amends the New York Public Officers Law to modify procedures related to Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests. The bill clarifies regulations around releasing lists of names and addresses, specifying that such lists must be connected to natural persons and residential addresses. It requires agencies to respond to record requests within five business days by either making the record available, denying the request in writing, or providing a written acknowledgement with an estimated response date. The bill prevents agencies from denying requests solely due to staffing limitations or administrative burden, and allows agencies to use outside professional services to fulfill requests if necessary. Agencies can require requestors to certify they will not use name and address lists for solicitation or fundraising purposes. The bill also mandates that when agencies cannot respond within twenty business days, they must provide a written explanation and a specific date for their eventual determination. Additionally, the legislation requires agencies with websites to provide online methods for submitting record requests and emphasizes that agencies should use electronic retrieval methods when feasible, without considering such retrieval as "creating" a new record. The changes aim to make government records more accessible and streamline the FOIL request process.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1666