What's happening
This bill expands the definition of "agency" under the public officers law to include certain entities governed by boards mostly appointed by government officials.
Why it matters
Expands public transparency requirements. By including entities governed by boards mostly appointed by government officials in the definition of "agency," the bill subjects more organizations to open meetings and Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requirements, increasing public access to their activities and records.
Limits the ability to bypass oversight. Government-related entities that were previously structured to avoid public scrutiny—by creating "private" organizations with government-appointed boards—would now be clearly covered by transparency laws, making it harder to shield decisions or spending from public view.
Impacts a wide range of public-private collaborations. The change could affect economic development corporations, local development agencies, and other quasi-governmental bodies, requiring them to operate with the same level of accountability as traditional government agencies.
May increase administrative burden but strengthen public trust. While newly-included entities may face added compliance work, the broader oversight aims to ensure that organizations with significant governmental influence operate in the public interest and are held accountable for their actions.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Expand Agency Definition
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
15 Co-sponsors
History
- Held for consideration in governmental operations
- Referred to governmental operations
- Print number 5854a
- Amend and recommit to governmental operations
- Referred to governmental 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.
Broaden Definition of Agency
In Senate Committee · Rules · Sponsor Phil Boyle
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
5854--A
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
February 16, 2017
Introduced by M. of A. SCHIMMINGER, ABINANTI, KEARNS, GOTTFRIED, GALEF, ENGLEBRIGHT, SIMON, SEPULVEDA, COLTON, CAHILL -- Multi-Sponsored by -- M. of A. COOK, HYNDMAN, JENNE, MAGEE, ORTIZ, THIELE -- read once and referred to the Committee on Governmental Operations -- committee discharged, bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted to said committee
AN ACT to amend the public officers law, in relation to expanding the definition of agency
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subdivision 3 of section 86 of the public officers law, as added by chapter 933 of the laws of 1977, is amended to read as follows:
3. "Agency" means any state or municipal department, board, bureau, division, commission, committee, public authority, public corporation, council, office or other governmental entity performing a governmental or proprietary function for the state or any one or more municipalities thereof, as well as entities created by an agency and that are governed by a board of directors or similar body a majority of which is designated by one or more state or local government officials, except the judiciary or the state legislature.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have become a law.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD09073-02-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.