Bill > S09021

This bill amends existing law to grant plaintiffs in civil actions alleging sexual offenses or civil offenses involving the transmission of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) the right to proceed anonymously, meaning their identities can be kept confidential. This right to anonymity is established regardless of whether a criminal charge is brought or a criminal conviction is obtained, and it is specifically defined by referencing Section 213-c of the Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR) for sexual offenses. The bill clarifies that this confidentiality does not prevent disclosure to parties against whom an action has been commenced alleging conduct constituting a sexual offense, their counsel, or public officers and employees involved in investigating or prosecuting the case, nor does it prohibit disclosure when a court finds good cause or when the victim provides written consent. It also clarifies that the court is not required to exclude the public from any stage of these civil proceedings, and that disclosure of confidential HIV-related information must still comply with Article 27-F of the Public Health Law.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S9021