Bill > A07368

This bill establishes new standards for public access to family court proceedings in New York, creating a presumption that family court proceedings should be open to the public while also providing judges with discretion to exclude individuals under specific circumstances. The bill adds a new section to the Family Court Act that requires family courts to be open to the public, including news media, with access to courtrooms, lobbies, and waiting areas. Judges can exclude individuals from a proceeding only after making a case-by-case determination, considering factors such as potential disruption, objections from parties, the need to protect litigants (especially children), and the administration of justice. When excluding individuals, the judge must make a formal finding on the record explaining the reasons for exclusion. The bill also requires that when necessary, judges can provide instructions to media representatives about courtroom conduct and seat assignments, while maintaining the authority of court administrators to prevent the release of sensitive information about individuals involved in court proceedings. Additionally, the bill makes conforming amendments to several existing sections of the Family Court Act to align with these new public access standards, ensuring consistent application across different types of family court cases.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7368