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S1531Senate2015-2016 SessionSame asA114

Limits the time state agencies would have to appeal article 78 supreme court judgments against them for violations of freedom of information laws

Sponsor Michael H. RanzenhoferSD-61+20 co-sponsorsAffects Legal
Status
Senate Floor Calendar
Impact
Pending
Passage
Pending

Bill progress

Vetoed via A114

What's happening

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History

  1. Substituted by A114
  2. Advanced to third reading
  3. 2nd report cal.
  4. 1st report cal.743
  5. Referred to investigations and government operations

Companion bill

The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.

A114Assembly

Limits the time state agencies would have to appeal article 78 supreme court judgments against them for violations of freedom of information laws

Vetoed · Sponsor David Buchwald

Vetoed

Full text

The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.

Sponsor's memo

BILL NUMBER:S1531

Title of bill

An act to amend the public officers law, in relation to limiting the amount of time to appeal certain judgments regarding freedom of information violations

Purpose or general idea of bill

To expedite the appeals process when a trial court has found in favor of a FOIL request action, thereby insuring timely appellate review and conclusion to the issue.

Summary of specific provisions

Adds a new paragraph (d) to Subdivision 4 of Section 89 of the Public Officers Law, requiring an appeal to be filed within 30 days after a court judgment on a FOIL lawsuit, and abandons the request to appeal when an agency fails to serve and file a brief within two months after the date of the notice of appeal.

Section 2: Authorizes an immediate effective date.

Justification

The bill creates an expedited process for determining appeals of FOIL decisions. Under the present law, a denial of request for records may be overturned by a court, but the agency may file a notice of appeal and have up to 9 months to perfect the appeal. This delay, in some circumstances, may create an unfairness or a restriction of rights to an individual; the delaying of disclosure, through the normal process of appeal, may make moot the individual's FOIL request and functionally deny them the timely access to documents needed.

In addition, a speedier resolution reduces court costs borne by all parties.

Prior legislative history

2013-14 - S.5673/A.5306 - RULES/Passed Assembly 2011-12 - S.6731/A.68 - INVESTIGATIONS/Passed Assembly 2009-10 - A.6484 - Passed Assembly

Fiscal implications

None

Effective date

Immediately

Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.