NY A04337

Creates a new Class A misdemeanor offense for public officers or employees who intentionally release or disclose sealed records or their contents to unauthorized persons, unless required by statute or court order.

Exempts individuals who are subjects of sealed records (or their personal representatives if deceased) from the prohibition, allowing them to voluntarily disclose their own records.

Permits disclosure of sealed records before an official sealing order is issued and allows good faith discussions of events within an officer's knowledge without confirming or disclosing sealed record contents.

Allows disclosure to persons believed in good faith to be entitled to receive the record, and permits disclosure of sealed record existence or nature in good faith responses to inquiries benefiting the record subject.

Applies the offense to sealed records required under Criminal Procedure Law sections 160.50, 160.55, 160.58, 720.15, and 725.15, and Family Court Act sections 375.1 and 375.2.