Bill > S00022

This bill enacts the "Child Survivor Privacy Act" to provide enhanced protections for child victims and witnesses in criminal proceedings. The bill expands the definition of "child witness" to include individuals up to 18 years old who are victims of or witnesses to crimes, and introduces several key provisions to protect their privacy and well-being. These protections include: restricting public access to court records involving child victims, allowing criminal proceedings to be closed upon request by the child, their parent, guardian, or advocate, and ensuring the child's identity remains anonymous throughout the proceeding unless specifically requested to be revealed. The bill also prohibits audio-visual coverage of criminal proceedings involving child victims or witnesses. Additionally, it mandates that whenever possible, the same prosecutor, advocate, and/or social worker should handle all aspects of a case involving an alleged child victim, and that they should collaborate to minimize the child's stress during interviews and court proceedings. The legislation aims to create a more supportive and trauma-informed legal environment for young victims and witnesses by prioritizing their psychological and emotional well-being throughout the legal process.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S22