Bill > S07506

This bill adds a new section to the public officers law that establishes criminal penalties for public officers or employees who intentionally release sealed records to unauthorized individuals. Specifically, such an unauthorized release would be classified as a class B misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 with no potential for imprisonment. The bill defines "sealed records" as those required to be sealed under various sections of criminal procedure and family court laws, such as those related to certain criminal charges or family court proceedings. However, the bill includes several important exceptions to the disclosure prohibition, including: allowing the subject of a sealed record to disclose their own information, permitting disclosure prior to a sealing order, allowing discussions of events without revealing specific record details, releasing records to individuals believed to be entitled to them in good faith, and making disclosures that benefit the record's subject. The bill also defines an "unauthorized person" as someone not legally entitled to access the sealed record through statute or court order. The legislation aims to protect the confidentiality of certain sensitive records while providing reasonable flexibility for appropriate disclosures.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7506