New York State Open Meetings Law Amendments Effective November 18, 2021

New York State public bodies subject to the Open Meetings Law must now post on their website, or provide upon request, “at least 24 hours” prior to any public meetings, any documents that will be discussed or considered during those public meetings.

Under Chapter 481 of the Law of 2021, language allowing documents to be released for the first time “at” a public meeting has been stricken. Although the Law still retains language that states that documents are to be provided “to the extent practicable,” Chapter 481 strikes the phrase “as determined by the agency or department.” This removes a barrier to legal challenges to the discretion of public bodies in determining what is “practicable.”

This provision becomes effective November 18, 2021, for state and local governments and their departments, agencies, authorities, and other public bodies. It includes, but is not limited to, agendas, legislation, resolutions, reports, applications, statements, drawings, maps, and photos. Governor Hochul, who has committed to prioritize state transparency, signed Chapter 481 into law on October 19, 2021.

Ballard Spahr advises governmental entities throughout the State of New York. If you wish to discuss the implications of Chapter 481 further, please reach out to one of our New York attorneys.

Copyright © 2024 by Ballard Spahr LLP.
www.ballardspahr.com
(No claim to original U.S. government material.)

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of the author and publisher.

This alert is a periodic publication of Ballard Spahr LLP and is intended to notify recipients of new developments in the law. It should not be construed as legal advice or legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances. The contents are intended for general informational purposes only, and you are urged to consult your own attorney concerning your situation and specific legal questions you have.