Bill > S09200

This bill requires the New York State Department of Health to contract with an experienced entity, referred to as a "qualified entity," to create and maintain an online genealogical research database of vital records, such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, for at least seven years. This database will be created at no direct cost to the state, as the qualified entity will be allowed to offer it to its subscribers and customers in exchange. The database will link to digital images of original records once they become public information, with social security numbers redacted. The bill also clarifies that indexes of these vital records will be public records. Additionally, it grants the commissioner authority to release genealogical records that have been on file for at least 75 years for births or 50 years for marriages, dissolutions of marriage, or deaths, or any record if the requester is a direct or collateral descendant, and sets fees for genealogical record searches and copies. Importantly, the bill includes provisions to protect the employment rights, benefits, and collective bargaining status of any existing state employees who currently perform similar work, ensuring no displacement or impairment of their jobs or agreements.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S9200