New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S08411

Introduced
6/9/25  
Refer
6/9/25  
Engrossed
6/12/25  
Refer
6/12/25  
Engrossed
6/17/25  
Enrolled
10/9/25  

Caption

Authorizes the denial of access to certain public records which relate to civil investigations; requires the superintendent of state police to provide the department of law with direct, real-time access to the criminal gun clearinghouse; relates to the enforcement powers of the attorney general; authorizes the attorney general to investigate and bring any civil action addressing repeated or persistent discrimination in elementary and secondary schools; requires the compromise of any claim which the state may have for care, maintenance or treatment furnished in hospitals or other such facilities to be made accordance with parameters established by the office of the attorney general; allows the commissioner of health to waive bills or compromise bills for the maintenance, care and treatment furnished to patients in medical facilities upon the prior approval of the comptroller alone.

Impact

The bill further stipulates that the superintendent of state police must provide the department of law with direct, real-time access to a criminal gun clearinghouse. This centralizes gun-related information within law enforcement, potentially improving response times and data accuracy in criminal investigations. Additionally, the attorney general is empowered to investigate and act against repeated or persistent discrimination in elementary and secondary schools, which indicates a stronger stance on civil rights protections in the educational context. This could lead to significant actions against entities that engage in discriminatory practices, reshaping how discrimination cases are addressed.

Summary

Bill S08411 introduces several amendments that significantly alter the handling of public records related to civil investigations and enhance the enforcement authority of the attorney general in New York State. One notable aspect is that it authorizes the denial of access to certain public records stemming from civil investigations. This aims to protect the integrity of investigations but raises concerns regarding transparency in government actions. By limiting access to such records, the public may find it more difficult to scrutinize governmental processes, stirring a debate on confidentiality versus accountability.

Contention

Debate surrounding S08411 revolves around its implications for public access to records and the limits it places on transparency. Critics argue that the provisions restricting access to records may hinder public oversight of governmental actions, echoing concerns about government overreach and the need for accountability. Furthermore, while proponents of the amendments aimed at enhancing the attorney general's authority argue they are necessary for upholding civil rights, there are fears that broader investigative powers might lead to misuse or overreach, especially relating to civil liberties. Interactions between law enforcement and communities may also shift considerably as a result of these changes.

Companion Bills

NY A08869

Same As Authorizes the denial of access to certain public records which relate to civil investigations; requires the superintendent of state police to provide the department of law with direct, real-time access to the criminal gun clearinghouse; relates to the enforcement powers of the attorney general; authorizes the attorney general to investigate and bring any civil action addressing repeated or persistent discrimination in elementary and secondary schools; requires the compromise of any claim which the state may have for care, maintenance or treatment furnished in hospitals or other such facilities to be made accordance with parameters established by the office of the attorney general; allows the commissioner of health to waive bills or compromise bills for the maintenance, care and treatment furnished to patients in medical facilities upon the prior approval of the comptroller alone.

Previously Filed As

NY A08869

Authorizes the denial of access to certain public records which relate to civil investigations; requires the superintendent of state police to provide the department of law with direct, real-time access to the criminal gun clearinghouse; relates to the enforcement powers of the attorney general; authorizes the attorney general to investigate and bring any civil action addressing repeated or persistent discrimination in elementary and secondary schools; requires the compromise of any claim which the state may have for care, maintenance or treatment furnished in hospitals or other such facilities to be made accordance with parameters established by the office of the attorney general; allows the commissioner of health to waive bills or compromise bills for the maintenance, care and treatment furnished to patients in medical facilities upon the prior approval of the comptroller alone.

NY HB2318

Relating to the establishment of a statewide human trafficking data repository within the office of the attorney general and to reporting of human trafficking data to the office of the attorney general and by the attorney general.

NY A08944

Prohibits state and federal law enforcement acting within New York from covering their faces or otherwise concealing their identity, except in limited circumstances; grants the attorney general authority to enforce civil penalties.

NY A10780

Establishes civil penalties for a propane company's improper denial of propane service to consumers located in such propane company's designated service territory; provides for enforcement of such penalties by the department of public service and the office of the attorney general; directs that such civil penalties be deposited into the New York state general fund.

NY S08415

Enacts into law components of legislation necessary to implement an omnibus bill related to correctional services in the state of New York; requires the timely disclosure of video footage related to the death of incarcerated individuals to the attorney general's office of special investigations (Part A); requires institutions and local correctional facilities to adhere to certain standards regarding the camera coverage of incarcerated individuals and detainees, and access to such camera recordings (Part B); provides notice of the death of an incarcerated individual occurring in the custody of the department of corrections and community supervision; requires the department to promptly notify the next of kin and any other person designated as the representative of any incarcerated individual whose death takes place during custody (Part C); directs the state commission of correction to conduct a comprehensive study on deaths in correctional facilities within New York state to provide data-driven insights and recommendations to improve prison conditions, healthcare, and policies to prevent future tragedies (Part D); establishes the Terry Cooper autopsy accountability act requiring autopsy reports to include all photographs of the body, microscopic slides, and post-mortem x-rays taken by, at the direction of, or reviewed by the person performing the autopsy (Part E); relates to conflicts within the office of special investigation; provides that if the office of the attorney general has a conflict representing state employees in civil litigation, the attorney general may designate a deputy attorney general or assistant attorney general to act in their place; requires the attorney general to establish procedures to screen off certain records (part F); requires the commissioner of corrections and community supervision to collect and report on data from the office of special investigations regarding complaints received by such office in the previous quarter (Part G); increases the number of members on the state commission of correction; provides for the manner of confirmation of such members (Part H); relates to correctional facility visits by the correctional association; authorizes the correctional association to visit correctional facilities at any time with 24 hours advance notice; grants the correctional association access to certain records and information of correctional facilities (Part I); relates to the tolling of statute of limitations for individuals in state custody; provides that with respect to state action brought by anyone to recover damages for physical, psychological, or other injury or condition suffered while in state custody, the time in which such action must commence shall be extended to three years after such person is released from such custody (Part J).

NY A08871

Enacts into law components of legislation necessary to implement an omnibus bill related to correctional services in the state of New York; requires the timely disclosure of video footage related to the death of incarcerated individuals to the attorney general's office of special investigations (Part A); requires institutions and local correctional facilities to adhere to certain standards regarding the camera coverage of incarcerated individuals and detainees, and access to such camera recordings (Part B); provides notice of the death of an incarcerated individual occurring in the custody of the department of corrections and community supervision; requires the department to promptly notify the next of kin and any other person designated as the representative of any incarcerated individual whose death takes place during custody (Part C); directs the state commission of correction to conduct a comprehensive study on deaths in correctional facilities within New York state to provide data-driven insights and recommendations to improve prison conditions, healthcare, and policies to prevent future tragedies (Part D); establishes the Terry Cooper autopsy accountability act requiring autopsy reports to include all photographs of the body, microscopic slides, and post-mortem x-rays taken by, at the direction of, or reviewed by the person performing the autopsy (Part E); relates to conflicts within the office of special investigation; provides that if the office of the attorney general has a conflict representing state employees in civil litigation, the attorney general may designate a deputy attorney general or assistant attorney general to act in their place; requires the attorney general to establish procedures to screen off certain records (part F); requires the commissioner of corrections and community supervision to collect and report on data from the office of special investigations regarding complaints received by such office in the previous quarter (Part G); increases the number of members on the state commission of correction; provides for the manner of confirmation of such members (Part H); relates to correctional facility visits by the correctional association; authorizes the correctional association to visit correctional facilities at any time with 24 hours advance notice; grants the correctional association access to certain records and information of correctional facilities (Part I); relates to the tolling of statute of limitations for individuals in state custody; provides that with respect to state action brought by anyone to recover damages for physical, psychological, or other injury or condition suffered while in state custody, the time in which such action must commence shall be extended to three years after such person is released from such custody (Part J).

NY H0006

Amends and adds to existing law to remove a provision regarding violations of the open meetings law by county officers, to authorize investigations and actions against city officers by the attorney general, and to provide for duties of the attorney general.

NY HB1036

Office of the Attorney General - Independent Investigations Division - Federal Law Enforcement or Immigration Enforcement

NY HB1036

Office of the Attorney General - Independent Investigations Division - Federal Law Enforcement or Immigration Enforcement

NY S00728

Authorizes the governor and lieutenant-governor, commissioner of general services, secretary of state, comptroller, attorney general, and members of the legislature, provided that such request does not impact upon the department's ability to manage its facilities as determined by the director of the facility, to visit any facility designated by the commissioner of mental health for care and treatment.

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