BILL NUMBER: S8294
SPONSOR: SEPULVEDA
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the civil practice law and rules, in relation to requir-
ing a detailed determination in orders determining a motion
 
PURPOSE:
The bill would ensure greater clarity, transparency, and accountability
in judicial decision-making by standardizing the format of motion orders
and requiring written or recorded rulings upon request.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Amends Rule 2219(a) of the Civil Practice Law and Rules by
removing judicial discretion for details on order determinations.
Section 2: States that the act takes effect immediately.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The 1996 amendment to New York Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR) Rule
2219(a) was enacted to enhance transparency and protect parties' rights
to appeal by ensuring that judicial decisions-whether issued in writing,
orally, or sua sponte (on the judge's own initiative)-are documented or
recorded upon request. Prior to the amendment, rulings were often deliv-
ered orally during informal proceedings without a formal written record,
hindering parties' ability to seek appellate review. While this change
has improved access to judicial decisions, significant issues remain.
Currently, judges retain discretion over the level of detail provided in
their determinations, leading to inconsistencies and, in some cases,
depriving parties of a clear basis for appellate review. Removing this
discretion and requiring judges to provide reasoning for their decisions
would promote greater uniformity and accountability. It would also bene-
fit clients and attorneys seeking to understand the rationale behind
rulings-an essential component of both appellate advocacy and profes-
sional development.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
LOCAL FISCAL IMPLICAITONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This law shall take effect immediately.