Bill > A06353

This bill amends the New York Criminal Procedure Law to create a new mechanism allowing individuals to petition courts for the release of grand jury proceedings materials in certain circumstances. Specifically, in cases where a grand jury investigation involving a public officer or employee concludes without an indictment or with a dismissed charge, a person can file a written petition to release grand jury materials based on "enduring historical importance." The bill defines this term as information that would enhance the historical record, promote scholarly discussion, and improve public understanding of a significant historical event. Notably, the bill establishes a rebuttable presumption of historical importance for grand jury records that are forty years old or older. If a court finds that the materials meet the "enduring historical importance" standard, it will have the discretion to release the records in a manner and form it determines appropriate. The legislation applies retroactively, covering records created before, on, or after the bill's enactment date, and is designed to provide greater transparency around certain grand jury proceedings while maintaining the general principle of grand jury secrecy.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6353