S 10098 New York Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Relates to the maximum allowable timeframes to respond to requests for records under the freedom of information act

This bill establishes specific deadlines for government agencies to respond to freedom of information requests, aiming to speed up access to public records. It requires agencies to provide requested records within 180 days for older requests, 90 days for requests made in 2028, and 60 days for requests starting in 2029, while also mandating that agencies accept and reply to requests via email. The law includes provisions to prevent agencies from delaying responses due to a lack of staff or the volume of records, except in cases involving federal legal barriers, safety concerns, or massive record sets. Additionally, the bill mandates that agencies with websites must allow for online submission of requests and requires them to use electronic methods whenever reasonably possible.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Apr 2026
Committee Review
Jun 2026
Senate Passage
Jun 2026
Assembly Passage
Governor
Introduced Apr 28, 2026 Last action Jun 1, 2026
Floor votes · Senate Jun 1, 2026

How they voted

600
Passed · 3 other
Total votes 63
Jun 1, 2026
D Democratic41
38 Yea 3
92% Yea
R Republican22
22 Yea
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
7
Key actions
1
Committee
2
Jun 1, 2026
Committee
REFERRED TO GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS
lower
Jun 1, 2026
Upper · Passed
PASSED SENATE
upper
Apr 28, 2026
Committee
REFERRED TO INVESTIGATIONS AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
upper
1 primary · 3 co-sponsors

Sponsors