Bill > S05949

This bill expands privacy protections for senior citizens by creating new confidentiality rules for contact information of individuals who participate in senior centers. Specifically, the bill defines a "senior center" as facilities operated by an area aging office or contracted entities that provide regular services to seniors, such as meals and recreation. Under this legislation, the name, address, phone number, and other contact details of senior center visitors would be exempt from public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL). The bill includes an exception that allows such contact information to be used in civil court proceedings directly related to senior center attendance. Any public employee who knowingly releases this confidential information could face a civil penalty of up to $5,000. The primary goal of this bill is to protect the privacy and personal information of vulnerable senior citizens who participate in community-based senior center programs, helping to prevent potential misuse of their personal data.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5949