Prohibits the release of certain records of victims of police violence by a coroner, coroner's physician or medical examiner

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Robert Jackson

The bill would ban releasing certain records about victims of police violence held by coroners or medical examiners.

REFERRED TO CODES

Summary of Bill S 7138

Overview

S 7138 is a New York State Senate bill introduced on April 1, 2025 by Senator Robert Jackson. The bill is currently referred to the Codes Committee. The central aim is to prohibit the release of certain records related to victims of police violence by a coroner, coroner’s physician, or medical examiner. The exact scope, definitions, and exemptions would be specified in the bill text itself.

What the bill would do

Prohibit the release of certain records concerning victims of police violence when those records are under the custody or control of a coroner, coroner’s physician, or medical examiner.

The term “certain records” and any carve-outs or exceptions would be defined within the statute (the summary notes no specifics beyond the prohibition and responsible offices).

The bill seeks to limit or restrict public disclosure of particular records held in official capacity by coroner/medical examiner personnel.

Who would be affected

Victims of police violence and their families, whose records could be protected from release under the bill.

Coroners, coroner’s physicians, and medical examiners who maintain or control these records.

Government agencies and entities handling public records requests (e.g., in the context of FOIL-equivalent processes) that would be constrained from distributing the specified records.

Journalists, researchers, advocacy groups, and others seeking access to records related to police-violence victims, who may be affected by reduced access depending on the bill’s definitions and exemptions.

Key provisions and details (as available)

The bill text would define “records,” “victims of police violence,” and the specific records prohibited from release.

It would specify which parties may or may not access the records and under what circumstances, if any, exemptions apply.

It would establish enforcement mechanisms and potential penalties for improper disclosure (details not provided in the summary).

Procedural/status timeline

Introduced: April 1, 2025.

Current status: REFERRED TO CODES (Senate Codes Committee), with a note of the referral occurring on the same day (April 1, 2025).

Next steps: If advanced by the Codes Committee, the bill would move to the Senate floor for debate and potential passage, then to the Assembly (or vice versa if procedures differ by chamber). Public comment and committee hearings would accompany any movement.

Related and companion legislation

Companion bill: A 3036 (listed as a companion in the bill’s materials).

Related Assembly bills (prior-session): A 10666, A 3188, A 2514.

Additional note: The existence of prior-session companion and related bills suggests ongoing consideration of record-release policies in this policy area.

Potential impact and considerations

Privacy and protection of victims’ records versus transparency and public accountability.

Administrative burden on coroners/medical examiners to determine what can be released and how to handle requests.

Implications for journalists and researchers seeking data on police-violence cases.

The balance between privacy rights and the public’s interest in information about police engagements and investigations.

For readers seeking a deeper understanding, the full text of S 7138 and any committee memos or fiscal notes would provide the precise definitions, exemptions, and enforcement details.