what is a foil request

A FOIL (Freedom of Information Law) request is a written request for access to government records. FOIL is a New York state law that gives the public the right to access government records. Under FOIL, an agency must make records available for public inspection and copying, except to the extent that records or portions thereof fall within one or more grounds for denial. FOIL requests must be submitted in writing to the appropriate Records Access Officer, either by mail, email, fax, or in person. When submitting a FOIL request, it is important to be as specific as possible in describing the requested records, including relevant dates, names, and descriptions. FOIL only mandates that the agency produce preexisting documents, and does not require that the party requesting records make any showing of need, good faith, or even legitimate purpose. Within five business days of the receipt of a written request for a record reasonably described, the agency must respond to the request.