Bill

S 6599

Permits assessment of certain fees and costs upon wrongful denial of access to records under the freedom of information law

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Brad Hoylman-Sigal and 1 co-sponsor

Allows recovery of certain fees and costs from agencies for wrongful FOIL denials, boosting accountability and protecting record seekers.

COMMITTED TO RULES

WeVote Research Nonpartisan

Bill Summary · S 6599

Summary of Bill S 6599

Purpose and Intent

S 6599, titled “Permits assessment of certain fees and costs upon wrongful denial of access to records under the freedom of information law,” seeks to create a mechanism for recovering fees and costs when an entity’s denial of access to records under the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) is deemed wrongful. The bill aims to strengthen accountability for agencies that improperly withhold records and to deter wrongful denials.

Key Provisions (as introduced)

Authorizes the assessment of certain fees and costs in connection with wrongful FOIL denials.
Applies specifically to matters arising under the state Freedom of Information Law.
Establishes a framework for when and how such fees and costs may be assessed, including relevant procedures (exact dollar amounts, fee schedules, and who bears costs are not detailed in the provided summary).

Note: The available information does not include the full text, so specific thresholds, eligible costs, or remedies (e.g., attorney’s fees vs. court costs) are not disclosed here.

Affected Parties and Impact

Primary Affected Party: State or local government agencies subject to FOIL disclosures.
Beneficiaries: Individuals or entities seeking access to records who experience wrongful denials and pursue remedies under FOIL.
Impact: Potential increase in accountability for improper withholding of records and potential financial consequences for agencies that improperly deny access. Could influence agency practices around records requests and FOIL compliance.

Legislative History and Timeline

Introduced: March 18, 2025
Referred to Committee: Investigations and Government Operations (March 18, 2025)
First Report: May 28, 2025
Second Report: May 29, 2025
Advanced to Third Reading: June 4, 2025
Committed to Rules: June 13, 2025 (noted twice in the record)
Status: COMMITTED TO RULES

Related Bills

S 7835 (prior-session)
S 2004 (prior-session)
S 5174 (prior-session)

Procedural Notes

The bill’s progression through committees and readings indicates active consideration with potential amendments as it moves toward floor action. If enacted, additional implementing rules or guidance may be issued to specify eligible costs, procedures for assessment, and how awards are determined.

Next Steps for Readers

Monitor committee reports and floor action for proposed amendments and clarified provisions (e.g., scope of costs, procedural standards, remedies, and timelines).
Review the full bill text when available to understand exact definitions, exclusions, and enforcement mechanisms.
Consider how the bill would interact with existing FOIL processes, court procedures, and any related penalties or remedies.

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