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Government Information, Documents, and Meetings 
New York State's Freedom of Information Law and Open Meetings Law guarantee your right to know and understand how government operates.
These laws enable access to certain government records or meetings, with certain exceptions defined by the law. These laws also require that minutes of public meetings, including all voting records, must be made accessible to the public.
The Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requires all State, City and quasi-government agencies (such as the MTA and Port Authority) to appoint a Records Access Officer to help you identify and obtain documents. Most government documents, but not all, are available for the public to inspect at the agency's office during business hours. If you want to make copies, the agency may charge you up to 25 cents per page.
All agencies must maintain a subject matter list of their records and files to simplify public access, and must respond within five days of receiving a written FOIL request. The response must grant or deny the request, or give the approximate date by which you can expect an explanation of which documents will be made available to you and which will be witheld.
The law permits the agency to refuse to disclose documents that contain certain information, including, for example, personal material, trade secrets, and law enforcement matters. If you are denied access to information, the agency must explain the reason, and you are entitled to appeal the denial to another official.
The Open Meetings Law, or "Sunshine Law," allows you to attend any official convening of a public body. Such meetings include those of the City Council and its committees and subcommittees, school boards, and commissions. The Law also requires that the general public and media be given one-week notice of official meetings.
Certain meetings, however, can be closed or "executive". A meeting is "executive" if its agenda includes subjects the law considers confidential, such as law enforcement information, private financial, medical, or employment histories, exam preparation and grading, and matters that would threaten public safety if disclosed.
If you have a problem gaining access to records or meetings, or need advice about FOIL or the Open Meetings Law, contact the State Committee on Open Government or the Public Advocate's Office, which the City Charter designates as the FOIL overseer for City agencies.
41 State Street
Albany, NY 12231
(518) 474-2518
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