NY A05614

Establishes the "Integrity in Government Act" and expands the Committee on Open Government's structure to include a permanent office in Albany, with members receiving $200 per day compensation for attending hearings and meetings.

Grants the Committee authority to hear appeals from individuals denied access to public records or meetings, with appeals filed within 30 days of denial (or 30 days after discovering an unnoticed secret meeting).

Requires the Committee to decide appeals within six months, with "privileged" appeals heard within 30 days and decided within 60 days; allows the Committee to issue orders to discontinue work if irreparable harm from violations is deemed likely.

Empowers the Committee to impose civil penalties of $20 to $1,000 against agencies denying access without reasonable grounds or against individuals filing frivolous appeals, after providing a hearing opportunity.

Shifts enforcement of the Freedom of Information Law and Open Meetings Law from judicial review under civil procedure to administrative appeals before the Committee on Open Government, with judicial review available only after exhausting Committee proceedings.