N.Y. Domestic Relations Law § 23: Supervision of and inspection of town and city clerks' records by state commissioner of health

§ 23. Supervision of and inspection of town and city clerks' records

by state commissioner of health. The registration and recording of all

marriages outside the city of New York shall be under the supervision of

the state commissioner of health. The commissioner, either personally or

by an accredited representative, may at any time inspect the record and

index of marriage licenses issued by any town or city clerk and

promulgate rules and regulations for insuring complete registration.

When he shall deem it necessary, he shall report cases of violation of

any of the provisions of this article to the district attorney of the

county, with a statement of the facts and circumstances; and when any

such case is reported to him by the state commissioner of health, the

prosecuting attorney shall forthwith initiate and promptly follow up the

necessary court proceedings against the person or persons responsible

for the alleged violation of law. Upon request of the state commissioner

of health, the attorney-general shall assist in the enforcement of the

provisions of this article.