NY S00472

Amends civil practice law to require courts to comply with "Sunshine in Litigation Act" provisions when issuing protective orders that would conceal public hazards or information useful to the public in protecting themselves from injury or property damage.

Declares void and unenforceable any agreements or contracts that conceal the existence of public hazards or information identifying public hazards, whether entered into within the state or pertaining to state persons or property.

Defines "public hazard" as any condition, device, product, or property that has caused injury or creates a risk of future injury unless altered or changed in some manner.

Allows substantially affected persons and news media representatives to challenge court orders, judgments, or contracts that violate the act's public hazard disclosure requirements by motion before the court that entered the order.

Requires courts to conduct in camera review of disputed information and order release of materials concerning public hazards, while protecting trade secrets and privileged information unrelated to public hazards; applies to settlement agreements with governmental entities.