Bill > A00378

This bill establishes a new legal cause of action in New York's civil rights law that allows individuals to sue someone who publicizes private, highly sensitive information that would be offensive to a reasonable person and is not of legitimate public concern. Specifically, the bill defines "publicity" broadly, meaning the information is either communicated to the public at large or shared with a specific group with a special relationship to the individual. If a person successfully brings such a lawsuit, the court may award various types of damages, including injunctive relief (a court order to stop the behavior), punitive damages (meant to punish the offender), compensatory damages (to compensate the victim for harm), and reasonable legal fees. The bill aims to protect individuals' privacy by providing a legal mechanism to seek recourse when private, sensitive information is inappropriately disclosed. The law would take effect immediately upon passage, giving individuals a new legal tool to protect their personal information from unwarranted public exposure.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A378