This brochure first discusses the make-up of the Committee on Open Government and its responsibility for overseeing the implementation of two laws: the Freedom of Information Law (Public Officers Law, sections 84-90), which governs rights of access to government records; and the Open Meetings Law (Public Officers Law, sections 100-111), which concerns the conduct of meetings of public bodies and the right to attend those meetings. An explanation is given of the Freedom of Information Law, what records are accessible, how to obtain records, and access to court records; sample request and appeal letters are provided. Discussion of the Open Meetings Law includes an explanation of what a "meeting" is, what is covered by the law, notice of meetings, closed meetings, minutes of meetings, enforcement of the law, the site of meetings, and exemptions from the law. (CGD)