Bill > S04568

This bill amends the New York Public Officers Law to expand transparency and access to law enforcement disciplinary records by removing several previous barriers to disclosure. Specifically, agencies can no longer refuse to release disciplinary records based on claims of personal privacy invasion, even if the complaints have not been fully determined, did not result in disciplinary action, or resulted in a finding other than "substantiated" or "guilty". The bill also prohibits agencies from withholding records on grounds that they are for law enforcement purposes, are inter-agency materials, were designated as confidential by private agreements, or were created before the law's effective date. Additionally, the bill adds protections for victims of sexual misconduct by law enforcement, defining sexual misconduct broadly to include verbal and physical harassment, sexual intimidation, inappropriate use of personal information, sexually motivated police actions, and unwanted sexual contact. While protecting the identity of alleged victims, the bill ensures that substantive information about sexual misconduct allegations can be disclosed in disciplinary records, promoting greater accountability in law enforcement agencies.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4568