Among the last cache of bills on the New York state Assembly’s plate are so-called good-governance bills, which are wonky, but important because they help improve government transparency and accountability. 

Rachael Fauss, the senior policy advisor for ReInvent Albany, told Capital Tonight that a few bills addressing the Freedom of Information Act (FOIL) have passed in both houses and will now await Gov. Kathy Hochul’s signature or veto:

S2520-B (Skoufis) / A3425-A (Raga) – Reduces time the public must wait to appeal FOIL delays and denials.

S67 (Skoufis) / A6613 (McDonald) – Clarifies FOIL regarding redactions.

ReInvent is also advocating for the following end-of-session bills that may or may not move in the Assembly this session:

S462-A (Hoylman-Sigal) / A1518-A (Weprin) – Authorizes the use of cameras in New York’s trial and appellate courts. 

S5843 (Skoufis) / A2330 (McDonald) – Requires electronic filing of all lobbying disclosures. 

S3340 (Gianaris) / A3246 (Dinowitz) – Ends NY’s Opportunity Zone tax break. 

S4658-A (Ryan) / A4196 (Solages) – Prohibits subsidies for e-commerce warehouse facilities. 

S374 (Gianaris) / A7456 (McDonald) – Discloses lobbying activities for confirmation or nomination of persons to state office.

According to Fauss, an important bill that has a good shot at passage is one dealing with LLCs, or limited liability companies.

Here’s ReInvent Albany’s memo of support.

Fauss spoke with Capital Tonight’s Susan Arbetter about the importance of government accountability.