NY S09141

Repeals and replaces section 64-a of the civil rights law to make all name change action documents private and inaccessible to the public by default, with access limited to the petitioner, the person changing their name, their attorney, or upon a finding of good cause.

Repeals and replaces section 67-b of the civil rights law to make all sex designation change action documents private and inaccessible to the public by default, with access limited to the petitioner, the person changing their sex designation, their attorney, or upon a finding of good cause.

Requires the office of court administration, clerks, and records custodians to remove all identifying information from name change and sex designation change records in electronic databases within ninety days of the effective date, while permitting non-identifying administrative information such as index numbers, judge names, and court information to remain visible.

Allows individuals whose name or sex designation was changed prior to the effective date to request removal of their information from public view at any time, regardless of whether they previously requested sealing or whether the matter was previously sealed.

Takes effect immediately upon enactment.