Bill > S03837

This bill enacts the "Sunshine in Litigation Act," which aims to prevent the concealment of public hazards through legal settlements and protective orders. The legislation defines a "public hazard" as any condition, device, product, or property that has caused injury or creates a risk of future injury. The bill requires courts to reject any settlement agreements or protective orders that intentionally hide information about public hazards that could help people protect themselves from potential harm. Courts must carefully review any disputed information in private (in camera) and only allow the release of information necessary to identify and warn about the public hazard. The bill protects legitimate trade secrets and confidential information, but mandates disclosure of details that could help prevent public harm. Any agreement attempting to conceal information about a public hazard is declared void and unenforceable. Additionally, the bill allows any substantially affected person, including media representatives, to challenge orders or agreements that fail to disclose public hazard information. The legislation applies to actions in New York state and will take effect 30 days after becoming law, representing a significant effort to increase transparency and public safety in legal proceedings.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3837