BILL NUMBER: S511
SPONSOR: PALUMBO
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the civil rights law, in relation to preventing
unfounded complaints against police officers, peace officers, firefight-
ers, correction officers and emergency medical service providers from
being disclosed or added to a personnel record
 
PURPOSE:
No information regarding a complaint against a police officer, peace
officer, firefighter, correction officer or emergency medical service,
provider which was investigated and determined to be unfounded shall be
included in their personnel record.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. Adds section 50-a to the civil rights law, guaranteeing the
confidentiality of portions of first responders' personnel records which
contain unfounded complaints and provides definitions, exceptions and
procedures for appealing the confidentiality of these records by court
order.
Section 2. Effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Our first responders place their lives at risk to keep New Yorkers safe.
Unfortunately, in a time of significant scrutiny of our emergency insti-
tutions, many of our first responders experience unwarranted accusations
that affect their professional records. These unproven claims can result
in their dismissal and disqualification from advancement or from pursu-
ing other careers of esteem. This legislation would rectify this issue
by ensuring that any complaints which are investigated and then deter-
mined to be unfounded shall be considered confidential except as
mandated by an official court order.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2024 S.7089/A.2727; 2022 A.9574
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None to the State.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately.