Bill > A08197

This bill, known as the "open data law," mandates that the Office of Information Technology Services (OITS) establish and maintain an open data website, accessible at data.ny.gov or a successor site, to collect and publicly share "publishable state data." "Covered state entities," which include most state government departments and agencies but exclude the judiciary and legislature, will be required to make their "publishable state data" available on this website. "Data" is defined as factual, alphanumeric information in a format that can be digitally processed, regularly created or controlled by a covered state entity, and related to its mission, excluding image files but including geographic information system data. "Publishable state data" refers to this data that can be legally accessed by the public, unless its release would violate laws, endanger public safety, interfere with investigations, or create an undue burden, and also excludes internal deliberative processes, copyrighted materials, proprietary software, and certain internal administrative data. The OITS will coordinate with a newly established "data working group," composed of representatives from various state offices and data coordinators from covered entities, to implement and expand the website. Covered state entities must designate a data coordinator and, within one year of the law's effective date, make all their publishable state data accessible on the website in a format that allows for automated processing and public notification of updates, without requiring registration or imposing restrictions on use, though source and modification information may be requested. The state will not be liable for the completeness or accuracy of the data provided, nor will this law create a private right of action for non-compliance. Other state agencies, authorities, and political subdivisions may voluntarily submit data to the website. The OITS is also tasked with developing guidelines for publishing data, including plans for web application programming interfaces, and reporting on compliance progress to state leadership and the public. This law aims to increase government accountability, improve public knowledge of state operations, and create economic opportunities by making state data more accessible.