Bill > A05692

This bill amends the vehicle and traffic law to provide legal protections for Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) employees by allowing them to hire their own attorney to defend against civil actions related to their official duties. The bill establishes three key provisions: First, DMV employees can now employ a lawyer to defend civil actions brought against them in their official capacity as an agent of the commissioner. Second, any damages, costs, expenses, or attorney's fees incurred in such legal defense will be considered a state charge and paid accordingly, even if the action was done in good faith without specific legal authority. Third, the bill prohibits initiating termination proceedings against a DMV employee based on actions or inactions that were taken in good faith and with a reasonable belief of defending or upholding the constitution or laws of the United States or New York, even if those actions are later determined to be without legal authority. This legislation aims to provide DMV employees with enhanced legal protections and support when performing their official duties.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5692