Relates to certain reforms for agencies subject to the freedom of information law

Showing the cosponsors who are on Agora, A to Z. The official record may list more.

• Democratic1

Shown in neutral colors by design; Agora is non-partisan.

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Rachel May says this is needed

The Freedom of Information Law is one of the public's most important tools for understanding how government works. It is used by journalists, advocates, researchers, and everyday New Yorkers seeking information about decisions that affect their communities. For many people, it is the only practical way to obtain records from state and local agencies. In practice, however, the process is often more difficult than it needs to be. While most agencies now accept FOIL requests electronically, appeals of denials are not treated the same way. In some cases, a person who submits a request online is told that if it is denied, the appeal must be mailed. That requirement creates an unnecessary barrier. It slows down the process, adds cost, and discourages people from pursuing legitimate appeals. Consider a journalist working on deadline who submits a request through an agency's website. The request is denied. Instead of being able to respond immediately, the journalist must draft an appeal, print it, and send it by mail, adding days to a process that is already time-sensi- tive. Or consider a member of the public who relies on email and does not have easy access to printing or mailing services. For that person, the appeal process may effectively stop at the denial. This bill addresses that problem directly. It makes clear that if an agency can receive a request electronically, it must also allow an appeal to be filed electronically. For agencies that already use FOIL management software, this functionality is typically already available and simply needs to be enabled. For others, email provides a straight- forward and widely accessible option. The bill also addresses a related issue: the difficulty of identifying who to contact. FOIL law requires agencies to designate records access officers and appeal bodies, but that information is not always easy to find. This can lead to delays, misdirected requests, and confusion for both requesters and agencies. By requiring agencies to publish clear, up-to-date contact information on their websites, the bill ensures that the process is transparent and navigable from the outset. At its core, this bill is about access. The right to request records should not depend on whether someone has a printer, a stamp, or the time to navigate unclear instructions. By ensuring that appeals can be filed electronically and that contact information is readily available, this legislation strengthens FOIL's role as a tool for accountability and public understanding.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.