What is the
Freedom of Information Law
Each State has their own version of the FOIA (Freedom of Information Act), which allows you to request public records from government agencies. Calunah drafts your request letter so it’s professional and ready to submit—then you simply send it to the agency. Our platform ensures your request is formatted correctly, saving time, and avoiding errors, while keeping your personal information private. Whether it’s for business, research, or personal purposes, being able to request government records is your right.
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New York
State Records FAQs
FOIL (Public Officers Law, Article 6) gives the public the right to access government records from New York state and local agencies, unless exempt.
Anyone — New York residents, out-of-state requesters, businesses, journalists, or organizations.
Agencies must respond within 5 business days by granting access, denying, or acknowledging and giving a timeline (usually within 20 business days).
Yes. FOIL requests must be submitted in writing — by email, mail, fax, or agency online portal.
Yes. Agencies may charge 25¢ per page (up to 9x14 inches) or the actual cost of reproducing electronic records, including staff time if needed.
Examples include: police reports, contracts, property records, environmental permits, school records, and emails of public officials.
Yes. FOIL allows withholding of records related to ongoing investigations, trade secrets, personal privacy, and security information.
You can appeal to the agency’s FOIL Appeals Officer within 30 days. If denied again, you can file an Article 78 proceeding in state court.
FOIA applies to federal agencies. FOIL applies to New York state and local agencies, with different timelines and fee structures.
No. FOIL is open to any person, regardless of residency.