S 5479 New York Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Relates to unauthorized use of a mobile telephone or any data contained therein

This bill clarifies that smartphones and mobile devices are legally defined as "computers" under New York's penal code. It adds a specific definition for "smart phone or mobile device" requiring features like portability, wireless operation, local storage, and built-in power. The change ensures existing laws against unauthorized computer access or data theft automatically apply to smartphones, affecting how such cases are prosecuted. It does not create new penalties but updates legal terminology to cover modern devices.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 21, 2025 Last action Jan 7, 2026