Expands the type of information that is exempt from disclosure to include the name, address, telephone number, or email address of anyone who is a member of or enrolled in a program at a senior center that a public agency administers or sponsors.
Summary
Bill S05949 amends the elder law in New York to enhance the privacy protections for senior citizens who visit senior centers. Specifically, it establishes that the contact information of these individuals, including their name, address, and phone number, is confidential and not subject to public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Law. This measure aims to protect the personal information of seniors who utilize services provided by senior centers, which may include meals, recreation, and counseling. The bill also outlines penalties for unauthorized disclosure of this information, imposing civil fines for violations.
Impact
The enactment of this bill will significantly impact the privacy rights of senior citizens in New York by ensuring that their personal contact information is safeguarded from public access. This change will affect how senior centers manage and protect the data of their members, aligning with broader privacy concerns in the digital age. It also reinforces the confidentiality obligations of public entities and employees regarding the handling of sensitive information related to seniors.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding Bill S05949 appears to be supportive, particularly among advocates for senior citizens who emphasize the importance of protecting their privacy. There have been no recorded votes or significant opposition noted in the available discussion transcripts, suggesting a consensus on the need for enhanced privacy measures for this vulnerable population.
Contention
While there is a general agreement on the necessity of protecting seniors' contact information, potential points of contention could arise regarding the balance between privacy and transparency, especially in cases where the information might be relevant to public safety or legal proceedings. However, no specific opposition has been documented in the current discussions or voting history.
Relates to motor vehicle accident reports; requires contact information including names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses where available, for all parties and telephone numbers and email addresses where available for all witnesses, for a commercial enterprise where a vehicle or bicycle involved in an accident is operated by an employee or independent contractor of such commercial enterprise.
Providing an exception to KORA that authorizes certain retired KPERS members to have identifying information restricted from public access on public websites that identify home addresses or home ownership.
Prohibits the disclosure of the home address, personal telephone numbers, personal email addresses or personal social media handles of any active or former New York state, New York city or local municipal emergency first responder, a judge of any court of law of this state, or a New York state, county or municipal prosecutor or the spouse or child thereof; relates to criminal penalties; permits civil action.
Prohibits the disclosure of the home address, personal telephone numbers, personal email addresses or personal social media handles of any active or former New York state, New York city or local municipal emergency first responder, a judge of any court of law of this state, or a New York state, county or municipal prosecutor or the spouse or child thereof; relates to criminal penalties; permits civil action.