Technology (Digital Government)

Requires state agencies to make available all public documents in a digital format on their website in a manner that allows such documents to be printed; provides that no document required by law to remain confidential shall be deemed a public document.

Requires state agencies to make available all public documents in a digital format on their website in a manner that allows such documents to be printed; provides that no document required by law to remain confidential shall be deemed a public document.

This bill (A 6719) modernizes absentee voting procedures in New York by expanding how voters can submit applications and ballots. It allows voters to electronically submit absentee ballot applications via email, fax, or an online portal (with a 10-day deadline before elections), and to return completed ballots electronically using a designated system. The law directly affects all absentee voters, including New York residents living overseas who can now use electronic methods without needing to mail paper copies. Key provisions clarify that electronic submissions are valid "original" applications and require no follow-up paper copies, while maintaining requirements for original mailed or in-person submissions for special federal voters (like military personnel).

Enacts the "New York State Digital Government Modernization Act"; establishes the digital government modernization initiative and the digital government enhancements pilot program.

S 387 requires state and local government agencies, as well as certain non-governmental entities performing public functions (like school districts or public authorities), to proactively publish specific public records online. It defines "publishable state data" as records that can be shared without violating privacy, safety, or legal restrictions. Agencies must make these records accessible via the internet within 60 days of the law's effective date, following rules established by the Open Government Committee. This shifts transparency from reactive requests under existing law to a system where relevant documents are automatically published online for public access.