Bill > A05700

This bill amends the civil rights law to protect police officers, peace officers, firefighters, correction officers, and emergency medical service providers from having unfounded complaints included in or disclosed from their personnel records. Specifically, the bill defines "personnel records" as documents used to evaluate job performance and employment continuation for these professionals. Under the new law, any part of a personnel record containing an investigated and determined unfounded complaint must be kept confidential and cannot be inspected without the explicit written consent of the professional in question, except through a court order. If a court order is sought, the judge must review the request carefully, provide an opportunity for interested parties to be heard, and only issue the order with a clear showing of sufficient facts. Moreover, the bill mandates that unfounded complaints cannot be added to the personnel records of these professionals. The bill does provide exceptions for certain legal professionals and government agencies who may require access to these records for official functions, ensuring that the protection does not completely prevent legitimate legal investigations.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5700