Bill > S04117

This bill provides a comprehensive framework for sealing certain types of claims made against law enforcement officers, specifically addressing unfounded, exonerated, and pending claims. The legislation aims to protect police officers from potential long-term professional and personal consequences of unsubstantiated or cleared allegations. Under the bill, "unfounded claims" are defined as complaints determined to lack factual basis and dismissed without disciplinary action, while "exonerated claims" are allegations where the conduct occurred but was deemed lawful. The bill mandates that these types of claims, along with pending claims, be automatically sealed and made inaccessible to the public. However, sealed records would remain available to law enforcement agencies for internal investigations, the Attorney General's office and district attorneys for prosecutorial purposes, and oversight bodies during active investigations. The legislation requires law enforcement agencies to update their record management systems to comply with these provisions and report their compliance annually. The goal is to strike a balance between maintaining transparency about law enforcement conduct and protecting officers from potentially damaging unproven allegations that could negatively impact their careers, loan applications, or community participation. The act will take effect 90 days after becoming law, with immediate authorization for preparing necessary implementing regulations.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4117