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Bill

S 2520

All Aboard Act of 2025

119th Congress Introduced by Angela Alsobrooks and 9 co-sponsors

Bill S 2520 sought to set strict deadlines for government responses to public records requests, enhancing transparency for citizens and organizations seeking information.

Introduced in Senate
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 2520

Summary of Bill S 2520

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: S 2520
  • Title: Relates to the maximum allowable timeframes to respond to requests for records under the Freedom of Information Act
  • Status: Vetoed (VETOED MEMO.29)
  • Introduced: January 21, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 2520 aimed to amend the existing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) by establishing new maximum allowable timeframes for governmental agencies to respond to requests for public records. The intent of the bill was to enhance transparency and accountability in government operations by ensuring that citizens receive timely access to public information.

Key Provisions

  • Response Timeframes: The bill proposed specific deadlines within which agencies must respond to FOIA requests. While the exact timeframes were not detailed in the provided information, such provisions typically aim to reduce delays in accessing public records.
  • Accountability Measures: The legislation included provisions to hold agencies accountable for failing to meet the established deadlines, potentially including penalties or requirements for expedited processing in certain circumstances.

Affected Parties

  • Government Agencies: The bill would have impacted various state and local government agencies responsible for processing FOIA requests, requiring them to adjust their internal procedures to comply with the new timeframes.
  • Citizens and Organizations: Individuals, journalists, and advocacy groups seeking access to public records would benefit from the proposed changes, as they would facilitate quicker access to information.

Legislative Actions and Timeline

  • January 21, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Committee on Investigations and Government Operations.
  • June 4, 2025: Advanced to third reading after amendments.
  • June 12, 2025: Passed in the Senate and delivered to the Assembly.
  • June 16, 2025: Passed in the Assembly and returned to the Senate.
  • October 9, 2025: Delivered to the Governor and subsequently vetoed.

Related Legislation

  • S 8128: A related bill from a prior session that may have addressed similar issues regarding FOIA.
  • A 3425: A companion bill that likely mirrored the provisions of S 2520 and was considered alongside it.

Conclusion

While Bill S 2520 aimed to improve the efficiency and responsiveness of public record requests under the Freedom of Information Act, its veto indicates that it did not advance into law. The implications of this veto may affect ongoing discussions about transparency and public access to government information in future legislative sessions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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