Requires the department of financial services to comply with the provisions of Executive Order 95 of 2013, "Using Technology to Promote Transparency, Improve Government Performance and Enhance Citizen Engagement", and to provide the New York state office of information technology services and the legislature certain necessary data.
Impact
The act emphasizes the importance of publicly accessible data, intending to bridge the gap between citizens and government operations. By enhancing the availability of financial data, the bill could improve accountability within the DFS and enable the public to engage with the department's activities. This increased transparency may lead to a more informed public that can contribute suggestions and solutions, ultimately aiming to improve financial services and consumer protection.
Summary
Bill S08103, known as the 'Department of Financial Services Open Data Act,' aims to enhance transparency within the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS). It mandates compliance with Executive Order 95 of 2013, which promotes the use of technology to improve government performance and facilitate citizen engagement through data transparency. The bill requires the DFS to release various datasets in open formats, ensuring accessibility to the public, which could foster more informed civic participation.
Contention
While the bill presents benefits related to transparency, concerns may arise regarding the types of data published and the potential privacy implications said data might entail. Certain data may remain undisclosed due to privacy laws, safety regulations, or concerns about administrative burdens on the DFS. How the department navigates these challenges could be a point of contention among stakeholders, such as consumer advocacy groups and privacy advocates, who may demand robust safeguards around sensitive information while seeking transparency.
Relates to advancing grid enhancement technologies; allows the department of public service to approve requests from distribution companies to develop grid enhancement technologies; requires distribution companies to submit a compliance filing report every 5 years.
Relates to advancing grid enhancement technologies; allows the department of public service to approve requests from distribution companies to develop grid enhancement technologies; requires distribution companies to submit a compliance filing report every 5 years.
Requires the office of information technology services to develop an action plan to improve data collection, analysis, utilization, and reporting practices of the department of health.
Establishes the open data law requiring the office of information technology services to establish an open data website and requiring covered state entities to publish certain data on such website.
Relates to requiring a digital equity officer be appointed by the director of the office of information technology services to develop, oversee and assist in providing statewide broadband access.
Directs the office of information technology services to contract with a private entity to conduct an examination and evaluation of New York state's information technology infrastructure, data use and management, policies, procedures and operational processes.
Directs the office of information technology services to contract with a private entity to conduct an examination and evaluation of New York state's information technology infrastructure, data use and management, policies, procedures and operational processes.
Requires the director of information technology services to undertake a detailed study of the comparative qualities of cloud computing services and state data center operations.
Requires the director of information technology services to undertake a detailed study of the comparative qualities of cloud computing services and state data center operations.
Relates to the publication of information on public meetings; requires the office of information technology services to develop a mobile application and website to publish information on every public meeting held by a state or local public body; requires public bodies to report such meetings to the office of information technology services.