RCFP testimony advocates for repeal of Section 50-a of New York Civil Rights Law
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press submitted testimony on Oct. 21 to the New York Senate Standing Committee on Codes in advance of an Oct. 24 hearing on repealing Section 50-a of the New York Civil Rights Law. That particular section of the law makes personnel records of police officers, firefighters, and corrections officers confidential. RCFP argues for Section 50-a to be repealed or substantially reformed. RCFP’s testimony highlights the need for greater access to law enforcement personnel records and notes how Section 50-a makes New York one of two states that shields these records from the public’s view.