(a) The people's right to know the process of government decisionmaking and the documents and statistics leading to determinations is basic to our society. Access to such information should not be thwarted by shrouding it with the cloak of secrecy or confidentiality.

(b) This Part provides information concerning the procedures by which records may be obtained from an agency as defined by subdivision 3 of section 86 of the Public Officers Law. No agency regulations shall be more restrictive than this Part.

(c) Agency personnel shall furnish to the public the information and records required by the Freedom of Information Law, as well as records otherwise available by law.

(d) Any conflicts among laws governing public access to records shall be construed in favor of the widest possible availability of public records.

(e) Agencies shall amend existing regulations or adopt new regulations to implement the Freedom of Information Law in conformity with this Part.