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A 2321

Relates to requiring agencies to report information about FOIL inquiries to the committee on open government

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Noah Burroughs and 12 co-sponsors

Bill A 2321 mandates state agencies to report FOIL inquiry data, enhancing transparency and accountability, and ensuring timely access to information for the public.

REFERRED TO INVESTIGATIONS AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
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Bill Summary · A 2321

Summary of Bill A 2321

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: A 2321
  • Title: Relates to requiring agencies to report information about FOIL inquiries to the committee on open government
  • Status: Referred to Investigations and Government Operations
  • Introduced: January 16, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 2321 aims to enhance transparency and accountability in government operations by mandating state agencies to report specific information regarding inquiries made under the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL). The intent is to provide the Committee on Open Government with data that can help assess the effectiveness and responsiveness of agencies in handling FOIL requests.

Key Provisions

  • Reporting Requirements:

    • Agencies will be required to compile and submit reports detailing the number of FOIL inquiries received, the nature of these inquiries, and the outcomes (e.g., granted, denied, pending).
    • The reports must also include the time taken to respond to each request, thereby promoting timely access to information.

  • Frequency of Reports:

    • Agencies will be mandated to submit these reports on a regular basis, although the specific frequency (e.g., quarterly, annually) will be determined by the Committee on Open Government.

  • Data Utilization:

    • The information collected will be used by the Committee to analyze trends, identify potential issues in FOIL processing, and recommend improvements to the law and its implementation.

Who Would Be Affected

  • State Agencies: All state agencies that handle FOIL inquiries will be directly impacted by the reporting requirements.
  • Committee on Open Government: This committee will gain access to valuable data that can inform policy recommendations and oversight functions.
  • Public and Advocacy Groups: Increased transparency may benefit citizens and organizations advocating for open government by providing insights into how effectively agencies are responding to information requests.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 16, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to Governmental Operations.
  • March 11, 2025: Bill reported out of committee.
  • March 13, 2025: Advanced to third reading.
  • March 17, 2025: Bill passed in the Assembly and delivered to the Senate.
  • March 17, 2025: Referred to Investigations and Government Operations in the Senate.

Related Bills

  • A 9621: A prior-session bill that may have addressed similar issues.
  • S 452: A companion bill in the Senate that aligns with the objectives of A 2321.

Conclusion

Bill A 2321 represents a significant step towards improving government transparency by requiring agencies to systematically report on FOIL inquiries. By establishing clear reporting protocols, the bill seeks to enhance public trust in government operations and ensure that citizens have timely access to information.

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

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