Bill > S01651

This bill, known as the "open data law," mandates that the Office of Information Technology Services (ITS) establish and maintain an open data website, accessible at data.ny.gov or a successor site, for the public dissemination of "publishable state data." "Publishable state data" refers to comprehensive, interrelated data controlled by "covered state entities" – which include state departments, agencies, and public authorities, but exclude the judiciary and legislature – that is available for public inspection and can be digitally processed. The law defines "data" as factual or statistical information in a digital format that is regularly created or maintained by a covered state entity and relates to its mission, excluding image files but including geographic information system data. Covered state entities must make their publishable state data available on the website within one year of the law's effective date, in a format allowing automated processing and without registration or license requirements, though certain data like internal deliberative processes, legally protected information, or copyrighted materials are exempt. To facilitate this, ITS will establish a Data Working Group, and each covered state entity must designate a Data Coordinator. The law also outlines reporting requirements for ITS and provides guidelines for publishing data, prioritizing information that increases accountability, improves public knowledge, furthers an entity's mission, creates economic opportunity, or responds to public demand. Other state agencies and political subdivisions may also voluntarily submit data to the website.