Bill > S00316

This bill amends the New York criminal procedure law to allow a person to petition the court for the release of grand jury proceeding materials, such as transcripts, reports, and evidence, on the basis of enduring historical importance. The bill establishes a rebuttable presumption of historical importance for grand jury records that are 40 years old or older, and it defines "enduring historical importance" as records that would enhance the existing historical record, foster further scholarly discussion, and improve the public's understanding of a significant historical event. The bill requires the court to release such grand jury records in a manner and form it determines, if the court finds they have enduring historical importance.