NY A00524

Transfers authority to hear Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) appeals from individual agency heads and chief executives to the Committee on Open Government

Requires the Committee on Open Government to respond to appeals within ten business days, either explaining reasons for denial or providing access to the requested record

Shifts the burden of proving a record qualifies for exemption from disclosure from the individual agency to the Committee on Open Government in court proceedings

Allows courts to assess attorney's fees against agencies when the Committee on Open Government fails to respond to an appeal within statutory time limits

Eliminates the requirement for agencies to forward copies of appeals to the Committee on Open Government, since the Committee would now directly receive and decide all appeals