The Committee on Open Government is authorized to provide advice and non-binding legal opinions regarding the New York State open government statutes, including the Freedom of Information Law, Open Meetings Law, and Personal Privacy Protection Law.  The Committee is not authorized to investigate complaints, hear administrative appeals, determine violations of law, or to compel an agency or public body to take any action.  Only the courts, through the initiation of a Civil Practice Law and Rules Article 78 proceeding in state supreme court, have enforcement authority.  

To request an advisory opinion, please submit relevant facts and documents by mail or email.  When appropriate, we will forward a copy of your request to the agency involved and invite the agency to submit additional information.  Issuance of the advisory opinion will not be delayed pending receipt of information from the agency.  

Contact us by phone: 

518-474-2518

Contact us by email: 

[email protected]

Mailing Address:

NYS Committee on Open Government
Department of State
One Commerce Plaza
99 Washington Avenue, Suite 650
Albany, NY 12231

Contact us by fax:

518-474-1927