New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S09975

Introduced
4/20/26  

Caption

Prohibits the disclosure of the home address, personal telephone numbers, personal email addresses or personal social media handles of any active or former New York state, New York city or local municipal emergency first responder, a judge of any court of law of this state, or a New York state, county or municipal prosecutor or the spouse or child thereof; relates to criminal penalties; permits civil action.

Impact

If enacted, S09975 will result in substantial amendments to the public officers law, the penal law, and the civil rights law. Specifically, it introduces criminal penalties for unlawful disclosure of protected information. Violators could face a misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the severity of the breach, and victims will have the right to pursue civil actions. This shift not only enhances the legal protections for this group of public servants but also emphasizes the state's recognition of their need for security in their personal lives. The legislation responds to an increasing concern about the safety and privacy of individuals serving in critical public safety roles.

Summary

Bill S09975 aims to enhance the protection of personal information for active and former emergency responders, judges, and prosecutors in New York State. The bill prohibits the disclosure or publication of home addresses, personal telephone numbers, email addresses, and social media handles of these individuals. This legislation seeks to protect those who are significantly involved in public safety roles from potential harassment or harm through the unauthorized release of their personal information. The importance of safeguarding such information stems from the high-stakes nature of their jobs, which often places them in public scrutiny.

Contention

Discussions surrounding S09975 highlight the delicate balance between public access to information and the privacy rights of individuals in essential service positions. Critics may argue that the bill could set a precedent for overprotection of public officials’ information, potentially limiting transparency. On the other hand, supporters view this legislation as necessary to ensure that those who dedicate their lives to public service can perform their duties without fear of personal reprisal or threats directed at them and their families.

Companion Bills

NY A11118

Same As Prohibits the disclosure of the home address, personal telephone numbers, personal email addresses or personal social media handles of any active or former New York state, New York city or local municipal emergency first responder, a judge of any court of law of this state, or a New York state, county or municipal prosecutor or the spouse or child thereof; relates to criminal penalties; permits civil action.

Previously Filed As

NY A11118

Prohibits the disclosure of the home address, personal telephone numbers, personal email addresses or personal social media handles of any active or former New York state, New York city or local municipal emergency first responder, a judge of any court of law of this state, or a New York state, county or municipal prosecutor or the spouse or child thereof; relates to criminal penalties; permits civil action.

NY S08366

Permits family leave benefits related to the active service of a spouse, domestic partner, child, or parent of the employee in the New York national guard during a declared state of emergency or other ordered active state service.

NY A03841

Prohibits the disclosure and publication of the home address or unpublished home telephone number of any active or retired judge or prosecutor.

NY S389

Makes publishing on Internet home address or unpublished telephone number of judges, prosecutors and certain court personnel a crime of the fourth degree under certain circumstances.

NY A10915

Authorizes the chief executive of a responding law enforcement agency to designate an area within a municipality as an active recovery zone in response to certain natural or man-made disasters or emergencies; limits access to such zones to residents and other affected persons, first responders, and certain authorized personnel; imposes a penalty of a class B misdemeanor for knowing unauthorized access to such zones; makes related provisions.

NY SB1235

Personal property; prohibiting municipality, county, and state from seizing certain personal property. Emergency.

NY A10133

Regulates personal loans made by a lender to a resident of or person physically located in the state of New York; exempts certain lenders.

NY S01086

Enacts the empire state licensing act to provide all New Yorkers with access to professional, occupational, commercial, or business licenses, permits, certificates, or related registrations regardless of an applicant's citizenship or immigration status, or lack thereof.

NY S05539

Requires schools safety plans to include a cardiac emergency response plan that addresses the use of appropriate personnel and measures to respond to incidents involving any individual experiencing sudden cardiac arrest or similar life-threatening emergency on any school site owned or operated by a school or at a location of a school sponsored event.

NY A00785

Requires schools safety plans to include a cardiac emergency response plan that addresses the use of appropriate personnel and measures to respond to incidents involving any individual experiencing sudden cardiac arrest or similar life-threatening emergency on any school site owned or operated by a school or at a location of a school sponsored event.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.