NY S07592

Authorizes the Chief Administrator of Courts to create pilot programs permitting electronic filing in Supreme Court and County Court for criminal accusatory instruments and papers in pending criminal actions, with participation strictly voluntary unless consent requirement is waived in up to six counties with approval of district attorney, criminal defense bar, and county clerk.

Authorizes the Chief Administrator to create pilot programs permitting electronic filing in Family Court for originating juvenile delinquency and abuse/neglect proceedings and filing papers in pending proceedings, with participation voluntary unless consent requirement is waived in up to six counties with approval of authorized agencies and family court bars.

Permits attorneys and unrepresented parties to opt out of mandatory electronic filing programs by certifying lack of necessary computer equipment or technical knowledge, with courts able to grant exemptions for good cause.

Prohibits electronic filing documents in criminal and family court proceedings from being available for public online inspection; establishes that no fees may be charged for viewing or downloading electronically filed information, and requires courthouse computer terminals be available for public access.

Pilot programs for criminal and family court electronic filing expire and are repealed September 1, 2015; requires Chief Administrator to submit evaluation reports to legislature, governor, and chief judge by January 1, 2015 regarding program impact and recommendations for legislation.