Establishes a process for the regulation of collecting, recording, and disclosing confidential information by state employees

1 Co-sponsor

• Jesse Hamilton

Title of bill

An act to amend the civil rights law, in relation to regulating the collection, recording and disclosing of confidential information by state employees obtained by state employees in the course of official duties

Purpose or general idea of bill

To maintain any state employee's confidential information obtained by the employer as confidential.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1. Amends the Civil Rights Law by adding a new section 50-f. Defines confidential information to mean any information maintained or obtained by a state agency, officer or employee concerning an individual's health or disability status, income tax records, sexual orientation, status as a victim of domestic violence, status as a crime victim or witness, public assistance status, immigration status or other information that is protected from disclosure by any provision of Federal, State or Local law. Prohibits the disclosure of confidential information except under certain specific conditions. Establishes specific criteria for the disclosure of confidential information. Provides a severability clause.

Section 2 Effective Date

Existing law

None.

Justification

Protects the privacy of state employees and prevents them from any discrimination due to their personal history. By protecting this confidential information, employees can rest assured that they will not face discrimination as a result of their background information.

Prior legislative history

2014: S.560 - Referred to Codes 2013: S.560 - Referred to Codes 2012: S.263- Referred to Consumer Protection 2011: S.263 - Notice of Committee Consideration requested, Committee Discharged, Committed to Consumer Protection 2009-10: S.2175 - Referred to Codes/A.307 - Enacting Clause Stricken 2007-08: A.1685 - Referred to Governmental Operations

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

Immediately.