Bill > S01819

This bill amends the New York Criminal Procedure Law to enhance privacy protections for individuals participating in judicial diversion programs, specifically regarding urine test results. The bill stipulates that the results of urinalysis tests conducted as part of a judicial diversion program shall be considered private and confidential. These results cannot be disclosed to the court or any adverse party without the explicit consent of the individual tested. Furthermore, urine test results indicating the use of a non-prescribed substance cannot be used as evidence in a criminal action against the person whose urine was tested. The only exception to this confidentiality is that the test results can be shared with the specified treatment program(s) involved in the defendant's rehabilitation. The bill also updates the language to use gender-neutral terms like "they" instead of "he or she" and is designed to protect the privacy of individuals seeking substance use treatment through the judicial system, thereby potentially encouraging more people to seek help without fear of legal repercussions.

Health and Social Services, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1819