Bill > S00511

This bill amends the civil rights law to protect police officers, peace officers, firefighters, correction officers, and emergency medical service providers from having unfounded complaints included in or disclosed from their personnel records. Specifically, the bill defines "personnel records" as documents used to evaluate an employee's performance, and stipulates that any part of a personnel record containing an investigated and determined unfounded complaint must be kept confidential and cannot be inspected or reviewed without the employee's express written consent. If a court order is sought to access such records, the judge must carefully review the request, give interested parties an opportunity to be heard, and only issue an order with a clear showing of sufficient facts. The bill further mandates that unfounded complaints cannot be added to an employee's personnel record at all. The provisions do not apply to certain government legal professionals, such as district attorneys, attorneys general, and other legal representatives who may require such records for official functions. The intent of the bill is to protect public safety workers from potentially damaging unsubstantiated complaints remaining in their professional records.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S511