Establishes standards for public access to family court proceedings and when a judge can exclude individuals from proceedings.

New York A07368 amends the family court act to establish standards for public access to family court proceedings. The family court shall be open to the public, allowing members of the public, including the news media, access to courtrooms, lobbies, and other common areas. The general public may be excluded from proceedings if the court determines it is warranted, considering factors such as potential disruption, objections from parties, and the need for decorum. Exclusion must comply with the new section 161-a of the act. The act takes effect immediately.

Establishes standards for public access to family court proceedings and when a judge can exclude individuals from proceedings.

New York A07368 amends the family court act to establish standards for public access to family court proceedings. The family court shall be open to the public, allowing members of the public, including the news media, access to courtrooms, lobbies, and other common areas. The general public may be excluded from proceedings if the court determines it is warranted, considering factors such as potential disruption, objections from parties, and the need for decorum. Exclusion must comply with the new section 161-a of the act. The act takes effect immediately.