Bill > S00645

This bill amends the New York Public Officers Law to expand existing Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) exemptions by adding protection for statements made by witnesses or victims relating to sexual abuse or misconduct. Specifically, the bill modifies section 87 of the public officers law to include a new provision that prevents the disclosure of any statements made by witnesses or victims about sexual abuse or misconduct. This means that under FOIL requests, government agencies would be prohibited from releasing such sensitive statements, which could potentially protect victims from further trauma or potential retaliation. The exemption is part of a broader set of protections for law enforcement records, which already include safeguards against disclosures that could interfere with investigations, compromise fair trials, reveal confidential sources, or expose investigative techniques. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage, providing immediate protection for these types of victim and witness statements.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S645