Bronson-backed measures will increase transparency and accountability in Albany
In addition, Bronson supported the Assembly’s sixth annual Sunshine Week package, to bring more openness to state government. The bills would:
- Require that records and legislative proposals discussed at an open meeting be made available to the public prior to the meeting(A.72-B)
- Limit the time state agencies would have to appeal a judgment against them for violations of freedom of information laws (A.68)
- Require the commissioner of the Office of General Services to maintain an inventory and audit of every state-owned real property or unappropriated state land that has been sold (A.2305)
- Require entities that submit records to state agencies that are exempt from disclosure under FOIL to reapply for the exemptions on a regular basis (A.5601-A)
Public Integrity Reform Act (A.8301)
Strengthens ethics oversight
The Assembly’s legislation creates an independent commission to investigate wrongdoing, ensure compliance with financial disclosure requirements and oversee lobbyists while holding them to higher standards.
Increases disclosure of outside income and conflicts of interest
Public officials with outside employment will be required to disclose the names of clients who have business with the state. In addition, public officials will have to publicly disclose their other income.
Cuts pensions from officials convicted of felonies
Public officials convicted of a felony related to their office will face the loss of their pension benefits.