Bill > A08248

This bill amends the New York Social Services Law to expand the New York City Department of Investigation's (DOI) access to confidential records related to children. Currently, the DOI must obtain prior approval from state agencies to access identifying information in child welfare records. The bill removes this approval requirement, allowing the DOI to access records when they are essential to an investigation within the department's legal authority. Specifically, the bill enables the DOI to access sealed and confidential reports about child abuse or maltreatment investigations, including family assessment and services track records. The DOI can now use these records for investigations, and in certain cases, can even share the information with district attorneys or U.S. attorneys for criminal prosecutions related to their investigations. The changes aim to give the DOI more direct and unrestricted access to child welfare information when conducting official investigations, eliminating the previous bureaucratic step of seeking prior state approval. The bill will take effect 30 days after becoming law.

Education, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8248