NY A09409

Amends Civil Rights Law Section 64-a to allow courts to waive publication requirements for name change proceedings if publication would jeopardize the applicant's personal safety based on totality of circumstances.

Prohibits courts from denying a waiver solely because the applicant lacks specific instances of or a personal history of threat to personal safety.

Requires courts to seal records of name change proceedings where a waiver is granted, with records only openable by court order for good cause shown or at applicant's request.

Mandates courts immediately seal and safeguard an applicant's current name, proposed new name, residential and business addresses, telephone numbers, and other court pleadings while a waiver request is pending.

Takes effect immediately upon enactment.