Bill > A06653

This bill, known as the "open data law," mandates that the Office of Information Technology Services (ITS) establish and maintain an open data website, specifically 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 digital, factual information regularly created or controlled by these entities that records a measurement or transaction related to their mission, excluding image files like photos or scanned documents, though it includes data *about* images and geographic information. "Publishable state data" is data that can be legally accessed by the public, but it excludes information that would violate laws, endanger public safety, interfere with investigations, or create an undue burden, as well as internal deliberative processes, data on personal devices, copyrighted materials, proprietary software, and internal administrative data. ITS 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 machine-readable format, updated regularly, and available without registration or restrictions on use, though the source and modifications must be identified. The state will not be liable for the completeness or accuracy of this data, and the law does not create a private right of action for non-compliance. Other state agencies, authorities, and political subdivisions may voluntarily submit data to the website. ITS is also tasked with developing guidelines for publishing data, including prioritization based on public benefit and accountability, and reporting on compliance progress to the Governor and legislative leaders. The bill also amends state technology law to explicitly grant ITS the authority to create and maintain the open data website.