Bill > S04637

This bill amends the New York Civil Rights Law to establish strict confidentiality protections for personnel records of law enforcement and emergency service personnel, including police officers, firefighters, correction officers, and certain peace officers. Under the new law, these personnel records will be considered confidential and cannot be inspected or reviewed without the express written consent of the individual officer, except when mandated by a court order. The bill creates a detailed judicial review process for such court orders, requiring judges to carefully evaluate requests, provide opportunities for interested parties to be heard, and only release records after determining they are relevant and material to a specific legal action. The legislation specifically exempts certain government officials and agencies, such as district attorneys, attorneys general, and other legal representatives, from these restrictions when accessing records for official functions. Additionally, the bill repeals several existing subdivisions in the Public Officers Law related to record disclosure, effectively strengthening the confidentiality protections for law enforcement personnel records. The act is designed to protect the privacy of law enforcement and emergency service workers while still allowing for judicial review in appropriate circumstances.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4637