By Robert Harding
The Citizen, Auburn, N.Y.
AUBURN, N.Y. — State employees, including correction officers, will be notified when their disciplinary records are part of a Freedom of Information Law request.
Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation requiring agencies to develop an employee notification policy when disciplinary records are requested. The bill was introduced in response to the repeal of a state law that prevented the release of police disciplinary records to the public.
New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association, a union representing correction officers, advocated for the legislation because of privacy concerns. When the state law, known as 50-a, was repealed, the union says privacy protections were eliminated.
“Our members and other law enforcement throughout this state perform one of the most important roles in safeguarding our communities and they deserve the protection from unnecessary and unwarranted invasions of their privacy,” said Chris Summers, NYSCOPBA’s president.
The bill, which was sponsored by Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon and state Sen. James Skoufis, passed by a 144-0 vote in the state Assembly and a 59-0 vote in the Senate.
Hochul signed the measure Wednesday.
“This piece of legislation is to assist (NYSCOPBA members and law enforcement) and provide the necessary support they deserve while they are working to keep all of us safe,” Buttenschon said. “I want to thank them for all they do. Passing and the governor signing this legislation is one step closer to making sure they are protected.”
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