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S 1417

Michael Enzi Voluntary Protection Program Act

119th Congress Introduced by Tim Sheehy

Bill S 1417 criminalizes failure to comply with Freedom of Information Law requests, ensuring public access to government records and promoting transparency and accountability.

Introduced in Senate
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 1417

Summary of Bill S 1417

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: S 1417
  • Title: Relates to the failure to produce records in response to a FOIL request; and criminalizes the failure to comply with the freedom of information law
  • Status: Referred to Investigations and Government Operations
  • Introduced: January 09, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 1417 aims to enhance transparency and accountability in government by addressing non-compliance with the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL). The bill seeks to criminalize the failure of public bodies to produce records requested under FOIL, thereby reinforcing the public's right to access government information.

Key Provisions

  • Criminalization of Non-Compliance: The bill proposes to establish penalties for individuals or entities that fail to comply with FOIL requests. This includes:

    • Fines: Specific monetary penalties for non-compliance, although exact amounts are not detailed in the current version.
    • Potential Criminal Charges: Depending on the severity of the non-compliance, individuals may face criminal charges, which could include misdemeanors or felonies.

  • Clarification of FOIL Procedures: The bill may also include provisions to clarify the procedures and timelines for responding to FOIL requests, ensuring that public bodies are held to a standard of timely and thorough compliance.

Affected Parties

  • Public Bodies: Government agencies and officials who are responsible for responding to FOIL requests will be directly impacted, as they will need to ensure compliance to avoid penalties.
  • Citizens and Organizations: The general public, including journalists, advocacy groups, and researchers, will benefit from increased access to government records, promoting transparency and informed civic engagement.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: As of January 09, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Investigations and Government Operations Committee for further consideration. The timeline for further legislative action is not specified but will depend on the committee's schedule and priorities.

Related Bills

  • S 5752 (prior-session): A related bill from a previous legislative session that may have addressed similar issues regarding FOIL compliance.
  • S 1641 (prior-session): Another related bill from a prior session, potentially offering insights or precedents relevant to the current legislation.

Conclusion

Bill S 1417 represents a significant step towards strengthening the enforcement of the Freedom of Information Law by criminalizing non-compliance. If enacted, it could lead to greater accountability among public officials and improved access to government information for the public. The bill is currently under review by the Investigations and Government Operations Committee, and its future will depend on legislative discussions and potential amendments.

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

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