Relates to the maximum allowable timeframes to respond to requests for records under the freedom of information act
This bill (S 2520) changes New York State's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) response deadlines for government agencies. It sets new time limits: 180 days for requests made before 2026, 90 days for 2027 requests, and 60 days for requests on or after January 1, 2028. Agencies must explain delays if they cannot meet these deadlines due to federal law, safety concerns, or extremely large volumes of records, and must provide monthly updates to requesters. The bill directly affects state agencies (like departments and offices) that handle FOIA requests and all individuals or organizations seeking government records under FOIA.
Bill status
vetoed
4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Jun 2025
Senate Passage
Jun 2025
Assembly Passage
Jun 2025
Vetoed
Oct 2025
Introduced Jan 21, 2025
Vetoed Oct 9, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons
What changed between versions
S2520A
→
S2520B
·
3 edits
MINOR
This bill updates New York's Freedom of Information Law to establish specific timeframes for agencies to respond to public records requests. The most significant change is the addition of a new deadline of 90 days for requests made in 2027, while maintaining the 180-day deadline for requests made before December 2026. The bill also clarifies that agencies cannot deny requests simply because they lack staff, unless they can hire outside help to handle the work.
Scope change
The bill expands the scope of response time requirements by adding a specific 90-day deadline for requests made in 2027, creating a phased timeline for implementation.
TIMELINE
Added a new 90-day deadline for public records requests made between January 1, 2027, and December 31, 2027.
Maintained the existing 180-day deadline for requests made before December 31, 2026.
REQUIREMENT
Clarified that agencies cannot deny FOIL requests based on lack of staffing unless they can engage outside professional services to handle the work.
Floor votes · Senate Jun 12, 2025 · Assembly Jun 16, 2025
How they voted
59–0
Passed · 4 other
Total votes 63
Jun 12, 2025
D
Democratic41
92% Yea
R
Republican22
95% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
15
Key actions
4
Committee
2
Amendments
2
Oct 9, 2025
Vetoed
VETOED MEMO.29
upper
Jun 16, 2025
Lower · Passed
PASSED ASSEMBLY
lower
Jun 12, 2025
Committee
REFERRED TO GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS
lower
Jun 12, 2025
Upper · Passed
PASSED SENATE
upper
Jun 9, 2025
Upper · Passed
AMENDED ON THIRD READING 2520B
upper
May 30, 2025
Upper · Passed
AMENDED 2520A
upper
Jan 21, 2025
Committee
REFERRED TO INVESTIGATIONS AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
upper
1 primary · 5 co-sponsors
Sponsors
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