Relates to municipal websites

More local government records online

New York municipalities with at least 1,500 people must maintain a public, regularly updated .gov website. Population is based on the latest preceding federal census taken every 10 years. They can host their official site on another municipality’s .gov address. Smaller municipalities must comply to the extent practical. Websites must include a plain-language privacy policy explaining what personal information is collected and how it is used. Required postings include notices of all municipal elections, public hearings, and public meetings, including regular board or legislative meetings. Sites must also include meeting agendas and minutes as required by state open-meetings law. Current municipal codes, local laws, and resolutions must be posted or available through an active link. Financial postings include the latest annual financial report, current-year budget, latest independent audit, and latest required fiscal performance or multiyear financial plan. Information exempt under the state’s public-records law does not have to be posted. The act takes effect immediately, but these website requirements follow the linked 2024 law’s schedule: one year after its enactment.