The Freedom of Information Law was designed to ensure the public’s right to government records. To assist the public, the Office of the State Comptroller provides a broad range of information on our website.
How to file a FOIL request
Send a detailed, written request to our Records Access Officer. You must include a mailing address and telephone number, even if your request is made by email or fax.
- Email: [email protected]
- Fax: 518-473-8940
- Mailing Address
Records Access Officer
Office of the NYS Comptroller
110 State Street
Albany, NY 12236-0001
Contact us for assistance: 518-474-4015
How to Obtain Your Personal Records Under the Personal Privacy Protection Law
The New York State Personal Privacy Protection Law (PPPL), which is set forth in Article 6-A of the Public Officers Law (§§91-99), is intended to protect your privacy by regulating the manner in which State agencies collect, maintain and disseminate personal information about you. The PPPL also enables you to access and/or correct information the Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) has on file which pertains to you.
Personal Records You Can Access/Correct
Requests for access to personal information from OSC may be made for personal information that is collected and maintained by OSC. “Personal information” is information concerning an individual that can be used to identify that individual (e.g. name, number, symbol, mark, or other identifier such as an address).
How to Make a Request
Requests for access and/or corrections must be written. The request must include enough information to enable a search. Include your name or other available identifier; and, if known, the OSC program or purpose for which the information was collected, any form number, the approximate dates involved, and the event or location where information was collected or submitted. If the request is for a correction, provide a detailed description of what needs correction and the new information. Finally, state how you would like to be contacted (e.g., phone, email, mail).
Requests may be submitted to OSC in person, by US mail, or by email to:
Privacy Officer Office of the State Comptroller
110 State Street
Albany, New York 12236-0001
Email: [email protected]
Proof of Identity
Proof of identity (e.g., notarized signature, copy of your driver’s license, passport or other official picture identification) may be required to confirm that the person seeking to access or correct the personal information is the subject of such information. If proof of identify is required, you will be notified.
What Happens After Your Request is Received
The Privacy Officer will search for the information and either provide access to or correct the information, or deny access.
How to Appeal a Decision
You will be notified in writing if the Privacy Officer denies access or declines to make the correction requested. You then have 30 business days to appeal. An appeal must be filed in writing, and submitted to OSC in person, by US mail, or by email to:
Privacy Appeals Officer
Office of the State Comptroller
110 State Street
Albany, New York 12236-0001
Email: [email protected]
The appeal must include proof of identity, if required, and contact information.
Fees
Unless otherwise required by statute, there shall be no fee charged for (1) inspection of records; (2) search for records; or (3) record certification (see 2 NYCRR Part 111.4[a][5] and [6]).
OSC reserves the right to charge a fee for copies to be made, not exceeding $0.25 per page per photocopy up to 9 by 14 inches, or the actual cost of reproducing any other record, except where a different fee is required by statute. When a fee to respond to your request is anticipated, OSC will obtain your consent before proceeding with your request.
Further Information
The Committee on Open Government is responsible for providing guidance regarding the PPPL. For further information on the Committee or PPPL, visit http://www.dos.ny.gov/coog/index.html
Contact Information:
Attention: Catherine M. Volk
Privacy Officer
Office of the State Comptroller
110 State Street
Albany, New York 12236-0001
Email: [email protected]
Attention: Caitlin Heim
Privacy Appeals Officer
Office of the State Comptroller
110 State Street
Albany, New York 12236-0001
Email: [email protected]
Legal Services: 518-474-3444