Technology

in committee · New York · Senate Feb 5, 2026

S 8603: Amends the constitution by adding a right to privacy

This bill (S 8603) proposes a constitutional amendment to recognize a fundamental right to privacy for all residents. It would add a new section to the state constitution stating that "the right of the people to privacy is recognized and shall not be infringed," requiring courts to consider the nature of information obtained and the extent of intrusion when applying this right. The amendment does not specify particular privacy protections (like digital data or medical records) but establishes a general standard for judicial review. The bill is currently pending in the Judiciary committee, with recent steps including legal opinions from the Attorney General.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyConstitutional privacy right directly strengthens data privacy protections, a core technology policy area, without specifying exceptions.90% confidence

Tags Privacy

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jun 5, 2026

A 9396: Establishes the "protecting consumers and jobs from discriminatory pricing act"

Prohibits the use of electronic shelving labels, digital shelf display technology, and surveillance pricing in food retail establishments and drug retail establishments; provides injunctive relief and civil penalties.

Topics ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill prohibits electronic shelving labels, digital shelf displays, and algorithmic pricing technologies in retail, directly restricting their use.90% confidence

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passed · New York · Senate Apr 28, 2026

S 8628: Relates to notification of victims of crime, including sexual offenses, about the address confidentiality program

This bill requires prosecutors to inform crime victims - including those who experienced sexual offenses - about New York's address confidentiality program. The program helps protect victims' home addresses from public disclosure by providing alternative mailing addresses. Prosecutors must now specifically notify victims about this program during case proceedings, as mandated by the new requirements added to state law. This change directly affects victims navigating the justice system by ensuring they learn about available privacy protections. The bill amends existing laws to make this notification a standard step in victim communication.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates prosecutors to notify crime victims about address confidentiality program, enhancing victim protection and safety within criminal justice system.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates notification about address confidentiality program, enhancing victim data privacy protections by preventing public disclosure of home addresses.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 8605: Enacts the "fraudulent social media advertising prevention act"

Requires social-media platforms to prevent, detect, and remove fraudulent advertisements and to establish advertiser-vetting obligations; requires reporting to the attorney general.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates social media platforms to prevent fraudulent ads and vet advertisers, aligning with consumer protection regulations that strengthen digital safety and user trust in technology platforms.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Social Media

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 30, 2026

A 9377: Amends the constitution by adding a right to privacy

This bill proposes adding a constitutional right to privacy for all residents, stating that "the right of the people to privacy is recognized and shall not be infringed." It would require courts to consider the nature and extent of information obtained and the intrusion when evaluating privacy claims. The amendment must be submitted to voters for ratification after the next general election, as specified in the bill's referral process. This change would directly affect all state residents by establishing a new constitutional standard for privacy protections.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyConstitutional privacy right directly strengthens data privacy protections, a core component of technology policy.95% confidence

Tags Privacy

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4715: Relates to the period during which the empire state digital gaming tax credit may be claimed, criteria for such tax credit, and allowing a rollover of such credit

Extends the period during which the empire state digital gaming tax credit may be claimed to 01/01/2032; amends the eligibility criteria for game development companies by changing the yearly timeframe structure, lowering the dollar threshold per production, and removing the in-state cost incurred threshold to accurately fit current digital gaming industry models; allows unused credits to be rolled over to the following tax year.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExtends tax credit period, lowers eligibility thresholds, and allows rollovers for digital gaming companies, providing targeted tax relief aligned with tax policy support.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExtends tax credits for digital gaming industry, lowering barriers and providing financial incentives to tech companies in a growing sector.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits

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in committee · New York · Assembly Feb 5, 2025

A 3650: Relates to autonomous vehicle driving

Provides that a person may operate a fully autonomous vehicle on the public roads of this state without a human driver provided that the automated driving system is engaged and the vehicle meets certain conditions; defines terms; requires insurance and that such vehicle is registered as a fully autonomous vehicle; makes related provisions.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill enables autonomous vehicle operation without human drivers, advancing transportation technology adoption by removing legal barriers.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill legalizes autonomous vehicle operation on public roads, enabling new transportation technology and aligning with advancing transportation infrastructure through regulatory facilitation.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Autonomous Vehicles

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 7026: Expands eligibility for participation in the pre-licensing course internet pilot program

Expands eligibility for participation in the pre-licensing course internet pilot program; extends such provisions of law from June 30, 2025 to June 30, 2030.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExpands internet access via pilot program for pre-licensing courses, aligning with 'expands internet access' support indicator.90% confidence

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passed · New York · Senate Feb 5, 2026

S 681: Relates to fingerprinting or mandatory iris and retina scanning of employees

S 681 prohibits most private employers from requiring fingerprinting or mandatory iris/retina scans as a condition of hiring or continued employment. It directly affects private-sector workers and employers, with key exceptions for state/municipal employees, public hospitals, medical colleges affiliated with public hospitals, and private hospitals. The bill amends labor law to make this prohibition explicit and takes effect immediately upon enactment. It does not apply to government workers or healthcare facilities receiving public funding.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProhibits private employers from mandatory biometric scans, protecting workers' privacy rights and limiting employer overreach in hiring practices.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill prohibits private employers from mandating biometric data collection (fingerprints/iris scans), directly protecting employee data privacy per topic description.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6053: Prohibits automobile insurers from refusing to issue or renew an individual's policy based on such individual's credit history

This bill prohibits automobile insurers from denying coverage or refusing to renew personal auto insurance policies based solely on an individual's credit history. It bans insurers from using credit reports or credit information to make coverage decisions for standard personal auto policies. The law specifically applies to individual drivers with policies for non-business vehicle use, excluding rideshare drivers under specific regulations. Insurers must stop requesting credit reports when renewing policies for these customers.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill prohibits insurers from using credit reports (personal data) for coverage decisions, aligning with data privacy protections under technology policies.90% confidence

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