Bill > A03425

This bill amends the New York Public Officers Law to establish more specific time frames for government agencies to respond to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. Under the new provisions, agencies must make records available within increasingly shorter time periods: 180 days for requests made before the end of 2026, 90 days for requests made in 2027, and 60 days for requests made in 2028 and beyond. If an agency cannot meet these time frames due to specific circumstances like federal restrictions, employee safety concerns, or the volume of records, they must provide a detailed written explanation to the requester and the Committee on Open Government, signed by the agency's commissioner. The agency must also provide monthly updates on their progress in processing the request. Additionally, the bill requires state agencies with websites to provide online submission options for record requests and mandates that agencies use electronic methods to retrieve records when possible. The new provisions aim to improve transparency and efficiency in government record access, with a phased implementation starting in January 2026.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3425