MEDIA ADVISORY: Transparency Advocates Call On NYS Legislature To Strengthen NY's Freedom of Information Law in Honor of Sunshine Week

Major transparency advocates are hosting a joint press conference in observance of Sunshine Week.

View this email in your browser For Immediate Release Sunshine Week 2025 Promoting Open and Transparent Government   Press Advisory March 18, 2025 - For Immediate Release Call for Legislative Action: Strengthen New York’s Freedom of Information Law in Honor of Sunshine Week A group of major transparency advocates are hosting a joint press conference in observance of Sunshine Week and calling for the Legislature to pass four FOIL reform bills.  Legislative champions and advocacy groups will gather to present key legislative proposals aimed at addressing the ongoing Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) crisis in New York State. Date: TODAY, Tuesday, 03/18/25 Time: 11 am Where: Albany - New York State Capitol, fourth-floor lobby outside the Senate Chambers   Legislators in Attendance (sponsors of FOIL reform legislation): Senator Hoylman-Sigal Senator Skoufis Assemblymember Raga Senator Liu Assemblymember Steck   Speakers and groups in support: EarthJustice League of Women Voters of NYS Legal Aid Society New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) New York Coalition for Open Government New York Public Interest Research Group Reinvent Albany Surveillance Technology Oversight Project (S.T.O.P.) TIMBER   Legislation being championed: A2321 (McDonald) / S452 (Hoylman-Sigal) - Report FOIL Activity A950-A (Steck) / S1418-A (Liu) - Strengthen FOIL Attorneys’ Fees A3425 (Raga) / S2520 (Skoufis) - Reduce Agency FOIL Response Time A1410 (Rosenthal) / S5000 (Hoylman-Sigal) - Limit Commercial FOIL Exemption   Sunshine Week is a non-partisan, nationwide initiative that brings together journalists, civic groups, government officials, and private sector leaders to highlight the vital importance of public record access and government transparency in safeguarding democracy. Celebrated annually in mid-March, this event aligns with the birthday of James Madison, a strong advocate for transparency, and is observed alongside National Freedom of Information Day on March 16th.   Copyright © 2021 Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, All rights reserved. Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.