Relates to the maximum allowable timeframes to respond to requests for records under the freedom of information act
This bill changes New York's Freedom of Information Law to set stricter deadlines for government agencies to respond to public record requests. Agencies must acknowledge requests within 5 business days and provide records within: 180 days for pre-2026 requests, 90 days for 2027 requests, and 60 days for 2028 or later requests. Agencies may only extend these deadlines if federal law blocks them, staff can't safely access records, or requests are extremely voluminous - requiring detailed written explanations to requesters and the Open Government Committee. It directly affects citizens, journalists, and researchers seeking government records by ensuring faster, more predictable responses.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 27, 2025
Last action Jun 16, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison
What changed between versions
A3425
→
A3425A
·
5 edits
MODERATE
This bill amends New York's Freedom of Information Law to establish specific response timeframes for agencies and strengthen protections against agencies using staffing shortages as an excuse to delay responses. It also adds requirements for agencies to provide online request submission options and sets up a phased implementation schedule for new response deadlines.
Scope change
The bill expands the scope by adding new requirements for online request submission and establishing specific response timeframes that vary based on when the request was made.
TIMELINE
New response timeframes of 180 days (pre-2027), 90 days (2027), and 60 days (2028 onwards) for agencies that grant requests in whole or in part
New provision allowing agencies to delay responses up to 180 days under specific circumstances like federal law conflicts or safety concerns, with monthly progress updates required
REQUIREMENT
Agencies can no longer deny requests based on voluminous requests or staffing shortages if they can hire outside services to complete the work
State agencies with websites must provide online submission options for FOIL requests
TECHNICAL
Added new subdivision 3-a to section 89 of the public officers law with phased implementation dates starting January 1, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
9
Key actions
2
Committee
3
Amendments
2
Jun 16, 2025
Committee
REPORTED REFERRED TO RULES
lower
Jun 13, 2025
Committee
REFERENCE CHANGED TO WAYS AND MEANS
lower
Jun 9, 2025
Lower · Passed
PRINT NUMBER 3425A
lower
Jun 9, 2025
Lower · Passed
AMEND AND RECOMMIT TO GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS
lower
Jan 27, 2025
Committee
REFERRED TO GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS
lower
1 primary · 11 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Steven Raga
DDemocratic
Co
Angelo Santabarbara
DDemocratic
Co
Anna Kelles
DDemocratic/Working Families
Co
George Alvarez
DDemocratic
Co
Harvey Epstein
DDemocratic
Co
JG
Jessica González-Rojas
DDemocratic/Working Families
Co
Karines Reyes
DDemocratic
Co
MaryJane Shimsky
DDemocratic/Working Families
Co
Noah Burroughs
DDemocratic/Working Families
Co
Phil Steck
DDemocratic
Co
Ron Kim
DDemocratic
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