Bill > A03463

This bill amends the Public Officers Law to add a new exemption to the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), which is the state law governing public access to government records. Specifically, the bill creates a new provision that prevents the disclosure of statements made by witnesses or victims relating to sexual abuse or misconduct through public records requests. This means that if someone files a FOIL request for documents that contain such statements, the government agency can legally withhold those specific statements to protect the privacy and potentially the emotional well-being of victims and witnesses. The exemption is added to an existing section of law that already allows agencies to withhold records in certain circumstances, such as when disclosure could interfere with law enforcement investigations, compromise a fair trial, or reveal confidential investigative techniques. By adding this specific protection for statements about sexual abuse or misconduct, the bill aims to provide additional privacy safeguards for individuals who have experienced or reported such sensitive matters.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3463