Bill > S04718

This bill establishes a centralized database of child abuse and maltreatment reports that criminal justice agencies can access while performing their duties. The bill defines "criminal justice agencies" broadly to include district attorneys, assistant district attorneys, investigators, state police officers, park police, city and county police officers, county sheriffs, and Indian police officers. The database will include all reports, information, and photographs related to child abuse investigations that are in the possession of the Office of Children and Family Services or local departments. The bill also modifies existing rules about accessing child abuse records, such as limiting access to records of children over 18 to cases involving a sibling or offspring who may be a suspected victim. Additionally, the bill clarifies rules about who can receive information from child abuse investigations, emphasizing protections for the identities of those who report suspected abuse. The changes aim to improve information sharing among criminal justice agencies while maintaining privacy safeguards. The act will take effect 90 days after becoming law.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4718