Governor’s Order Does Little Compared To Vetoed FOIL Bills
Assessment Finds Setback for Transparency
Governor’s Order Does Little Compared To Vetoed FOIL Bills
Reinvent Albany has completed a detailed assessment of Governor Cuomo’s combined veto message and executive order. Download the full report here.
Key Findings
- The governor’s executive does little to increase transparency compared to the vetoed bills. (See chart below.)
- At least five states already have laws identical to A1438B, which makes it easier for the public to win legal fees when an agency disregards FOIL.
- Vetoed bills were proposed by the state’s own Committee on Open Government.
Chart Comparing Governor’s Order to Vetoed FOIL Bills
The governor’s EO does not make it easier for the public to win lawyers fees when a government agency is found to have not complied with Freedom of Information Law. It reduces foot dragging after state agencies have lost in court, but does not include most government entities in New York State.
Reinvent Albany is a 501c3 non-profit group which advocates for open and transparent New York State and New York City government. We are a member of the National Freedom of Information Coalition and co-chair the NYC Transparency Working Group.