Bill > A08869

This bill makes several significant changes to New York state law across multiple areas. It expands public records confidentiality protections to include civil investigations, requiring that confidential sources and investigative techniques in civil investigations remain protected from public disclosure. The bill mandates that the state police superintendent provide the Department of Law with direct, real-time access to the criminal gun clearinghouse, which tracks guns seized or recovered in criminal investigations. It also significantly enhances the Attorney General's enforcement powers by authorizing investigations and civil actions in cases of repeated or persistent discrimination, particularly in elementary and secondary schools. Specifically, the Attorney General can now bring civil actions with damages and injunctive relief when discriminatory practices are found to be recurring or ongoing, covering a wide range of protected characteristics like race, gender, disability, and sexual orientation. Additionally, the bill modifies provisions related to compromising state claims in medical and hospital settings, removing the requirement for prior Attorney General approval and instead establishing parameters through the Attorney General's office. These changes aim to strengthen investigative capabilities, protect sensitive information, and provide more robust tools to combat discrimination in educational settings.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8869