Senator Biaggi And Senate Majority Pass Legislation to Combat Domestic Violence and Support Survivors

ALBANY, NY – Yesterday, the New York State Senate advanced a legislative package to combat domestic violence and provide greater protections for survivors of domestic abuse in New York State. The legislative package includes S404/A3422, sponsored by Senator Alessandra Biaggi to allow prosecutors to petition a court to access orders of protection issued in association with prior sealed domestic violence cases if relevant to a new proceeding. 

State Senator Alessandra Biaggi (D-Bronx/Westchester) issued the following statement:

“Unfortunately, domestic violence remains a pervasive issue in New York State that has only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. New York State currently allows law enforcement officials to petition a court to access previously sealed records in domestic violence cases – excluding prosecutors. This bill will allow prosecutors the same access to prior records, ensuring that serial abusers are held accountable for further violations and domestic violence survivors have the ability to seek justice in the courts. As legislators, we must do everything we can to both ease the burden for survivors seeking justice and prevent future violence. I am grateful to Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and my Senate colleagues for prioritizing this issue.”

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