Bill > S06017

This bill amends the Public Officers Law and the Civil Rights Law to require a particularized and specific justification for denying access to records under the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL). Specifically, it requires agencies to notify a judge and provide the judge with an opportunity to review a decision to deny access to records that would interfere with a judicial proceeding. The bill also clarifies that denying access to records under FOIL does not limit a party's right to access those records through other legal means, such as the Civil Practice Law and Rules or the Criminal Procedure Law. Additionally, the bill provides confidentiality protections for the identities of victims of certain offenses, such as sex offenses and HIV-related offenses.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2021/S6017