ALBANY – New York Senate Vice Chairman Michael Gianaris and the House of Representatives Zohran Mamdani announced on December 28th that Governor Kathy Hochul has signed Law (p.155) requiring state authorities to make the rulemaking process more accessible do. The Senate passed this law as part of “Sunshine Week”, an annual effort to promote greater transparency in government.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us the critical importance of transparency in government,” said Senate Vice Chairman Michael Gianaris. “We should live up to our progressive ideals and make our government truly accessible to the people it serves. I am glad that Governor Hochul shares this conviction and signs this law. “
“Government agencies should be accountable to us, but historically they have gathered too little input from the public and done so ineffectively,” said Zohran K. Mamdani, member of the congregation. “I am proud that this law introduces new ways to make the voice of the public heard in the decision-making process – so that democracy lives up to its name.”
Astoria Legislature’s legislation envisages a three-year pilot program by six major government agencies – Education, Environment, Health, Financial Services, Labor, and Family Aid – that obliges those agencies to hold public hearings every time residents request them. Several other states, including California, Arizona, Idaho, New Hampshire, Illinois, and Utah, have similar requirements for authorities to hold hearings.
In addition, the bill requires Senator Gianaris and MP Mamdani to use innovative techniques to encourage greater public participation.
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