How do I file a FOIA in New York State?

Request Records

1. Use the Open FOIL NY online form.
2. Mail a written request to:
3. E-mail a written request to:
4. Fax a written request to: (518) 486-6935.
5. Submit a written request for records in person:

What is the difference between FOIA and foil?

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)/ Freedom of Information Law ( FOIL) are Records Access Laws pertaining to agency records. The FOIA is a federal statute which governs federal records, i.e. those maintained on behalf of a federal agency. FOIL is the equivalent New York State Law.

Is New York an open records state?

Anyone can request records in New York. A statement of purpose is usually not required but several New York courts have considered the requestor’s motives to be relevant where the motive of the document requestor was to obtain documents relative to pending litigation.

What does foil stand for freedom of information?

Freedom of Information Law
The Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) is a New York state law that gives the public a right to access government records. FOIL applies to nearly all government agencies in New York States, from the governor’s office and state agencies to county and local government and public authorities.

Does NY have a sunshine law?

Peoples-Stokes today announced the Assembly approved legislation expanding the state’s sunshine laws, continuing the house’s long-standing commitment to increasing the availability and accessibility of government records to New Yorkers.

What types of information can be accessed under the Freedom of Information Act?

When is information covered by the Freedom of Information Act? The Act covers all recorded information held by a public authority. It is not limited to official documents and it covers, for example, drafts, emails, notes, recordings of telephone conversations and CCTV recordings.

What is a FOIL request in NYS?

Overview. The Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), Article 6 (Sections 84-90) of the New York State Public Officers Law, provides the public right to access records maintained by government agencies with certain exceptions.

How do I request a foil in NY?

How to Request Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) Records Under FOIL

1. Email: [email protected].
2. Mail: Records Access Office.
3. Fax: 518-473-8940.
4. In Person: Written requests may be submitted in person at OSC’s main office at 110 State Street in Albany, New York, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on weekdays.

What if my FOIL request is ignored?

If the agency denies your request or does not respond within the required time period, you can appeal to the agency’s FOIA Appeals Officer. If the agency sent you a denial letter, it should set out the agency’s appeal procedures.

What is excluded from the Freedom of Information Act?

(c)(1) Exclusion: Subject of a criminal investigation or proceeding is unaware of the existence of records concerning the pending investigation or proceeding and disclosure of such records would interfere with the investigation or proceeding.

What is the New York State freedom of Information Law?

The Freedom of Information Law (“FOIL”), Article 6 (Sections 84-90) of the NYS Public Officers Law, provides the public the right to access records maintained by government agencies with certain exceptions.

How do I Obtain public information without a foil in NY?

If you are a member of the media, you also may contact the DCJS Public Information Office at [email protected] or (518) 457-8828 to learn whether information you seek, particularly statistical data, may be available without a FOIL. For more information about FOIL, please visit the New York State Committee on Open Government’s website.

What is a request for specific information?

A request for records containing a description of the specific information you are requesting from the Department (e.g. the forms, documents, or information you are requesting, and the time period covered by the request)

Where do I send a copy of the NYS Open Records Act?

Such copies shall be addressed to: the Committee on Open Government, Department of State, One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Ave., Suite 650, Albany, NY 12231.