Bill > S04634

This bill creates a new criminal offense called "unlawful dissemination or publication of discovery material" in New York state law. The crime occurs when a person intentionally shares or publishes legal discovery materials (evidence or documents related to a legal case) with the intent to intimidate or harass another person. Specifically, the bill makes it illegal to disseminate such materials either directly with the intent to intimidate someone or by sharing them with someone who the perpetrator knows or should know will use the materials to intimidate or harass another person. Defense attorneys are explicitly exempted from this law when communicating directly with their defendant. The offense is classified as a class E felony, which is a relatively low-level felony in New York's criminal justice system. The bill also amends several sections of criminal procedure law to include this new offense in various legal contexts related to bail, release conditions, and other legal proceedings, ensuring that unlawful dissemination of discovery material can be considered a factor in judicial decision-making.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4634