Bill > A05669

This bill amends the public officers law to establish monetary penalties for intentional violations of the open meetings law by public body members. Specifically, the bill introduces a new provision that makes it an offense for a public body member to participate in a meeting with the explicit intent of violating open meetings regulations. For a first offense, the member would be subject to a fine between $350 and $1,000, and for a second or subsequent offense, the fine would range from $500 to $2,000. Additionally, the convicted member would be responsible for prosecution costs, and importantly, neither the state nor the public corporation can pay or reimburse these fines on the member's behalf. The bill aims to discourage deliberate attempts to circumvent transparency in government meetings by imposing direct financial consequences on individual members who knowingly violate open meetings protocols. The new provisions will take effect on the first of September following the bill becoming law.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5669