Bill > S00067

This bill amends the civil rights law to make the personnel records of police officers, firefighters, correction officers, and probation officers confidential and not subject to inspection or review without the express written consent of the employee, except when mandated by a lawful court order. The bill requires the judge to review all requests for such records and give interested parties the opportunity to be heard before issuing a court order for their release. The bill also exempts certain government officials, such as district attorneys and their staff, from the confidentiality provisions when they require the records in the furtherance of their official functions.