New York Senate Bill S07506

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/21/25
• Refer: 4/21/25

Caption

Relates to the unauthorized release of sealed records.

Impact

The proposed amendment to the public officers law would reinforce existing laws related to sealed records, providing clearer guidelines on what constitutes unauthorized disclosure. This change is expected to strengthen the accountability of public officers and create a deterrent effect against the inadvertent or deliberate release of confidential information, thereby enhancing data privacy within state governance. By holding public officers accountable, the bill aims to build public trust in how personal data is managed by government entities.

Summary

Bill S07506 aims to address the unauthorized release of sealed records by public officers or their employees. It specifically introduces a new section to the public officers law, defining the disclosure of sealed records as a class B misdemeanor, subject to fines of not more than one thousand dollars. The legislation seeks to enhance the protections surrounding sensitive information, ensuring that elements of confidentiality are preserved and that unauthorized disclosures come with legal consequences.

Contention

There might be various viewpoints regarding S07506, particularly concerning the implications it has on transparency and the effectiveness of public service. Supporters would argue that enhancing penalties for unauthorized disclosures helps protect citizens' privacy and serves the public interest by reinforcing the integrity of government operations. On the contrary, critics may contend that such measures could lead to excessive caution amongst public officers, potentially stifling transparency and open communication regarding government operations and actions that could benefit public knowledge and trust.