Bill > A06487

This bill expands and modifies training requirements for members of local municipal planning boards, boards of appeals, and other local government bodies across counties, cities, towns, and villages in New York. The key changes include increasing the required annual training from four to five hours and mandating that at least one hour of this training must be specifically focused on compliance with the open meetings law, which is a state law designed to ensure transparency in government decision-making. The training can be provided by the Committee on Open Government or another appropriate entity and can be delivered through various formats like electronic media, video, distance learning, or traditional classroom training. The bill also introduces a new requirement that if a municipality chooses to waive or modify these training requirements, they must provide public notice that includes a detailed justification for their decision. Despite the new training requirements, the bill maintains that a board's decisions will not be invalidated solely due to a failure to comply with the training provisions. This legislation aims to enhance the effectiveness and transparency of local government bodies by ensuring their members are well-informed about open government practices.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6487