Bill > A09247

This bill amends the New York penal law to protect individuals' medical privacy in the context of firearms licensing by establishing strict limitations on accessing personal medical records. Specifically, the bill prohibits state police, the division of criminal justice services, and other law enforcement agencies from accessing an individual's personal medical records without either a properly issued warrant or the express written, notarized permission of the individual. The bill also prevents firearms license applications from requiring applicants to consent to medical record release as a condition of obtaining or maintaining a license, except when the investigating agency has a reasonable belief that a medical issue might justify denying the license. Furthermore, while law enforcement can request consent to review medical records if they have a reasonable belief that a medical issue could justify suspending or revoking a firearms license, they cannot compel such disclosure. The changes aim to protect individual medical privacy while maintaining public safety considerations in the firearms licensing process, ensuring that personal health information remains confidential unless specific legal standards are met.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A9247