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S 9975

Prohibits the disclosure of the personal information of any active or former New York state, New York city or local municipal emergency first responder, judges or prosecutors

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jessica Scarcella-Spanton

Prohibits disclosing or publishing home addresses, personal contact info, or social media handles of first responders, judges, and prosecutors in NY, with criminal and civil penalt

REFERRED TO INVESTIGATIONS AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 9975

Bill Summary – S. 9975 (2025-2026) – New York

Overview

  • Title: Prohibits the disclosure of the home address, personal contact information, or social media handles of certain public safety personnel, judges, and prosecutors.
  • Purpose: Create strong, explicit protections against the disclosure and publication of personal information for active or former emergency first responders, judges, and prosecutors in New York State, New York City, and local municipalities.
  • Sponsor: Sen. Scarcella-Spanton (co-sponsor: Jessica Scarcella-Spanton)
  • Status: Introduced April 20, 2026; referred to Investigations and Government Operations

Key Provisions

1) Public Officers Law – New subdivision 7-a

  • Prohibition as to disclosure/publication of:
    • Home address
    • Personal telephone numbers
    • Personal email addresses
    • Personal social media handles
  • Covered groups:
    • Active or former emergency first responders (as defined below)
    • Judges of any court in New York
    • New York state, county, or municipal prosecutors
  • Definition of “First Responder”:
    • Police officers, peace officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), paramedics, or other EMS providers performing official duties

2) Penal Law – New Sections 250.61 and 250.62

  • § 250.61 (Second Degree Unlawful Disclosure)
    • Prohibits knowingly disclosing or publishing the listed personal information of covered individuals.
    • Applies to disclosures made with recklessness regarding potential harassment or risk to life or property.
    • Classification: Class A misdemeanor for second-degree violations.
  • § 250.62 (First Degree Unlawful Disclosure – Spouse/Child)
    • Extends the unlawful disclosure prohibition to the spouse or child of the covered individuals.
    • Requires intent to expose the individual or their family to harassment or risk of harm.
    • Classification: Class E felony for first-degree violations.

3) Civil Rights Law – New § 50-h

  • Prohibition on disclosure of the same types of personal information by any person, business, or association.
  • Definitions:
    • “First responder” as above.
    • “Disclose” includes a broad range of actions (solicit, sell, give, publish, disseminate, advertise, etc., including online posting).
  • Civil remedies:
    • Individuals (the affected first responder, judge, prosecutor, or their spouse/child) may bring a civil action in Supreme Court.
    • Damages:
    • Actual damages, at least liquidated damages of $1,000 per violation
    • Punitive damages for willful or reckless misconduct
    • Attorneys’ fees and litigation costs
    • Other appropriate equitable relief as determined by the court

Who Is Affected

  • Affected Individuals:
    • Active or former emergency first responders (police, peace officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, etc.) in New York
    • Judges of New York state courts
    • New York state, county, or municipal prosecutors
    • Spouses and children of the above individuals (under civil provisions)
  • Other Stakeholders:
    • Businesses or associations that might publish or disclose such information
    • General public (indirectly, through enforcement and civil action)

Timelines and Procedural Notes

  • Effective Date: The act takes effect 90 days after becoming law.
  • Enforceability: Combines criminal penalties (misdemeanor/felony) with civil action remedies.
  • Litigation: Civil actions may seek damages, attorneys’ fees, and equitable relief.

Potential Impacts and Implications

  • Strengthened privacy protections for public safety personnel, judicial officers, and prosecutors against doxxing and targeted harassment.
  • Increased deterrence against publishing sensitive personal information, especially online.
  • Possible chilling effects on media or publishing practices; courts would need to balance privacy with legitimate public-interest reporting.
  • Law enforcement and legal professionals gain a potential civil pathway to seek damages and sanctions for disclose-related harms.
  • Clear, broad definitions of “disclose” and “first responder” aim to close loopholes and reduce ambiguity.

If you’d like, I can map specific scenarios (e.g., social media postings, news outlet coverage, or online forums) to how this bill would apply.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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