Technology (Government Transparency)

passed · New York · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 10098: 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.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates email usage for FOIA requests and sets strict response deadlines, enhancing digital access and efficiency.85% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Mar 25, 2026

S 9558: Relates to modernizing and increasing the transparency of local government notice procedures

This bill allows local governments to post legal notices on their official websites instead of publishing them in newspapers. To use this option, a municipality must first pass a local law authorizing online notifications and then display clear public notices both physically within the community and prominently on its website. The online notices must remain visible for the same duration that state or local laws require for newspaper publication. This change aims to modernize how local governments share official information while maintaining transparency through required public awareness measures.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill modernizes government notice procedures by enabling online publication, promoting digital access and transparency in local governance.75% confidence

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passed · New York · Assembly Mar 19, 2026

A 2573: Requires state agencies to make available all public documents in a digital format on their website

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.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates digital public documents, improving online access to government information, directly supporting digital access policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Digital Government Tags Government Transparency

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vetoed · New York · Assembly Dec 5, 2025

A 6613: Permits records required to be disclosed under the freedom of information law to have exempt parts of such documents be redacted before disclosure

This bill requires state agencies to redact exempt portions of documents before releasing them under freedom of information law. It applies to any record containing both disclosable information and information that may be legally withheld (like personal privacy details or security data). Agencies must remove only the exempt sections while disclosing the remaining content, and cannot deny access solely based on the document's category - any denial must include a specific justification. The law aims to improve transparency by ensuring the public receives as much releasable information as possible.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates redaction of personal privacy and security data before disclosure, directly protecting data privacy and cybersecurity as defined in the topic.90% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jun 11, 2025

S 67: Permits records required to be disclosed under the freedom of information law to have exempt parts of such documents be redacted before disclosure

This bill (S 67) clarifies how state agencies must handle Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests for documents containing both public and exempt information. It requires agencies to redact only the specific exempt portions (e.g., personal privacy details or security-sensitive data) before disclosing the rest of the document, rather than withholding the entire record. The change directly affects state agencies that process FOIL requests, ensuring they disclose non-exempt information whenever possible. It also mandates that any denial must include a specific, justified reason for redaction, not just the document's category. This procedural update streamlines transparency while maintaining legal exemptions.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires redaction of exempt personal privacy data in FOIL disclosures, directly protecting data privacy under the topic.90% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 8103: Enacts the "department of financial services open data act"

Requires the department of financial services to comply with the provisions of Executive Order 95 of 2013, "Using Technology to Promote Transparency, Improve Government Performance and Enhance Citizen Engagement", and to provide the New York state office of information technology services and the legislature certain necessary data.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires financial services data sharing for transparency per Executive Order 95, advancing tech-driven government efficiency and citizen engagement.85% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5034: Prohibits disclosure of highway, bridge, tunnel and other thoroughfare toll and transit records, with exceptions

This bill protects electronic toll and transit records (such as E-Z Pass and MetroCard data) from public disclosure. It applies to state/local agencies and their contractors managing these systems. Records can only be shared with the account holder for their own use, for law enforcement with valid warrants or subpoenas, to resolve billing disputes (e.g., unpaid tolls), or for specific NYC student discount verification. Aggregate data not identifying individuals remains public, and the bill explicitly excludes public disclosure under freedom of information laws.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProtects personal electronic toll/transit data privacy by restricting disclosure, aligning with data privacy indicators in technology policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Data Privacy Tags Government Transparency

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1288: Relates to making certain public records available on the internet

This bill requires state and local government agencies and certain non-governmental entities that function like government bodies to proactively publish public records online. It defines "publishable state data" as information that can be made public without violating privacy, safety, or other legal restrictions, such as those protecting personal information or ongoing investigations. Agencies must create rules for online access, including setting fees for printed copies (capped at 25 cents per photocopy) and specifying when and how records are available. The law aims to increase public access to government records by leveraging technology, as mandated by the Freedom of Information Law.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates online publication of public records, expanding internet access to government data while safeguarding privacy through defined restrictions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Data Privacy Tags Government Transparency

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1360: Establishes a process for the regulation of collecting, recording, and disclosing confidential information by state employees

S 1360 establishes strict rules for state employees handling confidential information like health status, immigration details, or crime victim records. It requires written approval from designated agency "access officers" before any disclosure (except for legal requirements or criminal investigations), prohibits unnecessary collection of such data, and bans line workers from sharing confidential details without prior written authorization. The bill directly affects all state employees interacting with the public (e.g., in benefits or social services) and agencies providing state services. Key provisions include limiting disclosures to what's legally required, mandating written consent for individual disclosures, and imposing civil penalties of up to $1,000 for violations.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly protects health status information via strict disclosure rules and written approval requirements, aligning with patient privacy rights in healthcare.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill restricts disclosure of immigration details without authorization, protecting immigrant confidentiality and limiting unauthorized sharing with enforcement agencies.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates strict protocols for handling confidential data, prohibiting unnecessary collection and requiring authorization - directly protecting data privacy per topic description.85% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 387: Relates to making certain public records available on the internet

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.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates government publication of public records online, expanding access to information via internet and supporting technology use for transparency without privacy violations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Digital Government Tags Government Transparency

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