The Freedom of Information Law
The Freedom of Information Law, commonly known as “FOIL” (Public Officers Law, Article 6, Sections 84-90) is New York State's principal statute regarding public access to government records. As set forth in the Legislative declaration to the law:
The people's right to know the process of governmental decision-making and to review the documents and statistics leading to determinations is basic to our society. Access to such information should not be thwarted by shrouding it with the cloak of secrecy or confidentiality.
Public Officers Law § 84
For more information about FOIL, please visit the New York State Committee on Open Government. The Committee on Open Government is responsible for overseeing implementation of the Freedom of Information Law, and offers insight into what records are accessible, as well as provides answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
To submit a FOIL request, use the Open FOIL NY online form.
Records Access Officers & Agency FOIL Websites
Please note that some government records are available without a FOIL request. Agency FOIL web pages (linked below) can help you determine whether to use the Open FOIL NY online form to request records. You can also contact an agency records access officer to learn more.
Agency FOIL Webpage | Contact Information |
Adirondack Park Agency | Records Access Officer |
Canal Corporation | New York State Canal Corporation |
Council on Children and Families | Records Access Officer |
Council on the Arts | Records Access Officer |
Department of Agriculture and Markets | Records Access Officer |
Department of Civil Service | Records Access Officer |
Department of Corrections and Community Supervision | FOIL Unit, Office of Counsel |
Department of Environmental Conservation | Records Access Officer |
Department of Financial Services |
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Department of Health | Records Access Officer |
Department of Labor | Records Access Officer |
Department of Motor Vehicles | Records Access Officer |
Department of State | Records Access Officer |
Department of Taxation and Finance | Records Access Officer |
Department of Transportation | Records Access Office |
Developmental Disabilities Planning Council | Records Access Officer |
Division of Criminal Justice Services | Records Access Office |
Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services | Records Access Officer
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Division of Human Rights | Records Access Officer |
Division of Military and Naval Affairs | NYS Division of Military & Naval Affairs |
Division of Tax Appeals | Records Access Officer |
Division of the Budget | Records Access Officer |
Division of Veterans’ Services | Records Access Officer |
Dormitory Authority of the State of New York | FOIL Access Administrator |
Empire State Development Corporation | Empire State Development |
Environmental Facilities Corporation | Records Access Officer |
Executive Chamber | Records Access Officer |
Gaming Commission | Records Access Officer |
Governor’s Office of Employee Relations | Records Access Officer |
Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery | Records Access Officer |
Higher Education Services Corporation | Records Access Officer |
Homes and Community Renewal | Records Access Officer |
Hudson River Park Trust | Records Access Officer |
Hudson River Valley Greenway | Records Access Officer |
Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs | Records Access Officer |
Long Island Power Authority | Records Access Officer |
New York Power Authority | Records Access Officer |
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority | Records Access Officer |
New York State Insurance Fund | Records Access Officer |
New York State Police | New York State Police |
NYS Public Employment Relations Board | PERB Executive Director PO BOX 2074 ESP AGENCY BLDG 2, FLS 18 & 20 ALBANY, NY 12220-0074 [email protected] |
Office For People With Developmental Disabilities | Records Access Officer |
Office for the Aging | Records Access Officer |
Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence | Records Access Officer |
Office of Addiction Services and Supports | Records Access Office |
Office of Children and Family Services | Records Access Officer |
Office of General Services | Records Access Officer |
Office of Information Technology Services | Records Access Officer |
Office of Mental Health | Records Access Officer |
Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation | Records Access Officer |
Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance | Records Access Officer |
Office of Victim Services | Records Access Officer |
Olympic Regional Development Authority | Records Access Officer |
Public Service Commission / Department of Public Service | Records Access Officer |
Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation | Records Access Officer |
State Commission of Correction | Records Access Officer |
State Liquor Authority | Records Access Officer |
Thruway Authority | Records Access Officer |
Workers’ Compensation Board | Records Access Officer |