Bill > S09777

This bill requires entities that submit records to state agencies, which are currently exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), to periodically re-apply for these exemptions. FOIL is a New York law that gives the public the right to access government records. Under the current law, once an exemption is granted, it can last indefinitely. This bill amends the Public Officers Law to mandate that these exemptions have a defined period, not exceeding three years, and that the submitter must apply for a three-year extension before the current exemption expires, otherwise the exemption will lapse. The bill also clarifies that the submitter bears the burden of proving their entitlement to an exemption, and it updates the term "committee on public access to records" to "committee on open government."

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S9777