Bill > S02512

This bill proposes adding a new section to the state constitution that establishes a fundamental right of people to access public information and participate in government transparency. Specifically, the bill creates a constitutional provision that recognizes the right to inspect and copy government records and to be notified about and attend public meetings as essential to democracy. The language emphasizes that these rights of public access should not be "unreasonably restricted," which suggests that while there might be some limited exceptions, the default position is openness and transparency in government operations. The bill also outlines a procedural process for implementing this constitutional amendment, which includes referring the amendment to the first regular legislative session after the next general election and publishing the proposed amendment for three months prior to that election, in accordance with existing constitutional requirements for constitutional amendments.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S2512