Relates to the distribution of the state register; repealer

1 Co-sponsor

• Kathleen A. Marchione

BILL NUMBER:S1971

Title of bill

An act to amend the executive law, in relation to distribution of the state register; and to repeal certain provisions of the executive law relating thereto

Purpose

This bill would reduce state expenditures by eliminating requirements to provide free hard copies of the State Register to entities that prefer to access the free online version.

Summary of provisions

Section 1. Repeals paragraph (c) of subdivision 1 of § 148 of the Executive Law, which requires the Department of State to write annually to city, town and village clerks to advise them that they may receive a copy of the weekly State Register upon written request of the governing body.

Section 2. Amends subdivision 2 of § 148 of the Executive Law, and adds a new subdivision 4-a, providing that (a) the requirement to provide a free copy of the weekly Register to each state agency and legislator may be dispensed with upon request of the recipient, and

(b) the authorization to charge a fee for the Register applies only to the paper version -the statute is amended to explicitly recognize the availability, at no cost, of an online version of the publication.

Section 3. Effective date.

Existing law

Currently, the Department of State is required to provide written notice to city, village and town clerks advising them that they receive the weekly hardcopy Register upon written request of the governing body, and is required to provide such copies to agencies and legislators. Although there is no statutory provision requiring it, the online version of the Register has been available without charge since 2003.

Justification

Executive Law § 102 contains requirements for free distribution of the paper version of the weekly State Register (listing rulemaking actions and other public notices) that predate the creation of a free online version of the publication. Currently, anyone can view the State Register without charge at: http://www.dos.ny.gov/info/register.htm.

This bill will enable the Department to conserve state resources and reduce paper waste by eliminating an annual mailing to city, town and village clerks to advise them of how to request pacer copies of the publication. Executive Law § 148(1)(a) will continue to allow them to receive these copies upon written request, but they can be informed of this in less costly ways. The bill will also save money and paper by allowing discontinuance of print subscriptions at the request of agencies or individual legislators.

Legislative history

2013-14: S3245/A2560 - Passed Senate/Governmental Operations Committee 2011-12: S4818-A/A8164 - Passed Senate/Governmental Operations Committee

Fiscal implications

To be determined; anticipated savings to the state.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.