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Bill

Bill

A 6804

Relates to the disclosure of the records of court proceedings in certain mental hygiene proceedings

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Angelino and 38 co-sponsors

Bill A 6804 sets guidelines for disclosing court records in mental hygiene cases, balancing public transparency with the privacy rights of individuals involved.

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Bill Summary · A 6804

Summary of Bill A 6804

Bill Number: A 6804
Title: Relates to the disclosure of the records of court proceedings in certain mental hygiene proceedings
Status: Referred to Judiciary
Introduced: March 14, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 6804 aims to establish guidelines for the disclosure of records related to court proceedings that fall under mental hygiene laws. The intent of the bill is to balance the need for transparency in judicial processes with the privacy rights of individuals involved in mental health proceedings.

Key Provisions

  • Disclosure Guidelines: The bill proposes specific criteria under which court records from mental hygiene proceedings can be disclosed to the public. This includes:

    • Conditions that must be met for records to be accessible.
    • The types of information that may be disclosed, ensuring sensitive personal data is protected.
  • Privacy Protections: The legislation emphasizes the importance of maintaining confidentiality for individuals undergoing mental health evaluations or treatments. It seeks to prevent unnecessary stigmatization and protect the rights of those involved.

  • Judicial Discretion: Judges will have the authority to determine on a case-by-case basis whether the disclosure of records is appropriate, taking into account the potential impact on the individuals involved.

Affected Parties

  • Individuals in Mental Hygiene Proceedings: The primary group affected by this bill includes individuals undergoing mental health evaluations or treatments, whose records may be subject to disclosure.

  • Legal Professionals: Attorneys and judges involved in mental hygiene cases will need to adapt to the new guidelines regarding record disclosure.

  • Public and Advocacy Groups: Organizations advocating for mental health awareness and rights may be impacted by the changes in transparency and privacy standards.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: As of March 14, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Judiciary Committee for further consideration.

  • Related Legislation: This bill is related to several prior-session bills (A 10122, A 6229, A 4070, A 9448) and has a companion bill in the Senate (S 1728), indicating ongoing legislative interest in this area.

Conclusion

Bill A 6804 seeks to create a framework for the disclosure of court records in mental hygiene proceedings, aiming to enhance transparency while safeguarding individual privacy rights. As it moves through the legislative process, it will be important to monitor discussions and amendments that may arise in the Judiciary Committee.

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

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