S 9421 New York Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Allows a person a second hearing to seal their child protective services records

This bill allows individuals with sealed child protective services records to request a second hearing to keep those records sealed if their life circumstances have significantly changed. To qualify, a person must wait at least two years after their first hearing and provide evidence of progress, such as completing treatment programs, attending parenting classes, or participating in mental health services. The request is denied if there is evidence the person has maltreated a child in the past two years. This change applies to anyone seeking to maintain sealed records under the Social Services Law.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Mar 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Mar 11, 2026 Last action Jun 1, 2026

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What changed between versions

S9421 → S9421A · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to streamline the process for requesting a second hearing to seal child protective services records. The primary change replaces the requirement for a 'significant change in life circumstances' with a broader standard of 'good cause,' allowing individuals to qualify for a hearing based on any service or intervention addressing past findings. Additionally, the amendment mandates that the agency must provide written notice of the decision within 30 days and schedule granted hearings within 90 days, while also granting the right to a subsequent hearing if the initial request is denied.

Scope change

The scope of eligibility for a second hearing was expanded from specific life changes to a broader 'good cause' standard, and procedural requirements for agency responses were added.

ELIGIBILITY

Replaced the specific requirement of a 'significant change in life circumstances' with the broader standard of 'good cause' to allow more flexibility in qualifying for a second hearing.

REQUIREMENT

Added a mandatory requirement for the agency to notify the subject of the outcome in writing within 30 days of receiving the request.

Granted the subject the right to request a subsequent hearing if their initial request for a second hearing is denied.

TIMELINE

Established a 90-day deadline for scheduling a second hearing if the agency grants the request.

DEFINITION

Expanded the definition of qualifying actions to include any service, program, therapy, activity, or intervention addressing the substantiated finding.

Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Jun 1, 2026

Upper · Passed

PRINT NUMBER 9421A

upper

Jun 1, 2026

Upper · Passed

AMEND AND RECOMMIT TO FINANCE

upper

May 19, 2026

Committee

REPORTED AND COMMITTED TO FINANCE

upper

Mar 11, 2026

Committee

REFERRED TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors