NY S00263

Prohibits state officers and employees from disclosing confidential information (health status, tax records, sexual orientation, domestic violence or crime victim status, public assistance status, immigration status) except to other state employees acting in official duties or as otherwise authorized by law.

Allows disclosure of confidential information only if required by law, authorized in writing by the individual (or parent/legal guardian if minor), needed to investigate criminal activity, or used by government agencies solely for statistical compilation with written assurance against further disclosure.

Restricts state employees from collecting or recording confidential information unless specifically required by federal or state law as a condition for receiving state services or benefits, and limits inquiries to only what is necessary to determine eligibility.

Requires each state agency to designate one or more supervisory persons as "access officers" authorized to approve and authorize release of confidential information in writing, specifying the exact information and recipients.

Mandates that line workers (public-facing state employees) obtain prior written approval from a designated access officer before disclosing any confidential information.