Bill > A09280

This bill amends the New York Social Services Law to allow researchers to access unfounded reports of alleged abuse or maltreatment under specific conditions. Currently, these reports are largely restricted, but the new law would permit researchers to obtain such documents for bona fide research purposes. However, the bill includes important safeguards: researchers can only access personally identifying information if it is absolutely essential to their research, and they must first receive prior approval from the department. The bill modifies two sections of the law - section 422 and section 427-a - to create consistent language about research access. Researchers would be prohibited from freely identifying individuals in the reports, ensuring privacy protections for the subjects of these unfounded abuse or maltreatment reports. The changes will take effect 30 days after the bill becomes law, providing a transition period for implementation.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A9280