Technology

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1294: Prohibits disclosure of highway, bridge, tunnel and other thoroughfare toll and transit records, with exceptions

This bill (A 1294) protects the privacy of electronic toll and transit payment records, such as E-Z Pass and MetroCard data, by making them confidential. It directly affects motorists using toll systems, transit riders with account-based payment methods, and the public entities managing these systems. The law prohibits public disclosure of individual travel records under most circumstances but allows access for account holders to review their own data, for law enforcement with valid warrants or subpoenas in criminal cases, for billing disputes, and for specific student ID sharing with NYC schools. It does not affect aggregate data use or the collection of tolls/fare revenues.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProtects electronic toll/payment data privacy (E-Z Pass/MetroCard), directly aligning with data privacy indicators in technology policy.95% confidence

Tags Privacy

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 8704: Expands the New York opportunity promise scholarship to include all SUNY and CUNY approved programs which award certain associate's degrees

This bill expands New York's Opportunity Promise Scholarship to cover all SUNY and CUNY community college programs awarding associate's degrees in high-demand fields. It directly affects students enrolled in these programs, including those in fields like nursing, cybersecurity, engineering, and green energy. The key mechanism adds all approved SUNY/CUNY associate degree programs in designated high-demand fields (updated annually by the Department of Labor) to the scholarship's eligibility. The change applies immediately for the 2025-2026 academic year and beyond, broadening access to the scholarship.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands scholarship coverage to all SUNY/CUNY associate degree programs in high-demand fields, increasing access to higher education funding and student support.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill explicitly includes 'green energy' as a high-demand field for scholarship coverage, advancing renewable energy education access through funding.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExpands scholarships for high-demand fields (nursing, cybersecurity) designated by Labor Department, directly supporting workforce development in labor market needs.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly includes cybersecurity programs in scholarship coverage for high-demand tech fields, funding education to strengthen cybersecurity workforce development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid Renewable Energy Cybersecurity

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in committee · New York · Senate Apr 16, 2025

S 7426: Relates to the unlawful use of a New York driver's license or identification card

This bill regulates how businesses and other entities in New York State can scan and use an individual's driver's license or identification card. It prohibits scanning the machine-readable zone of these IDs unless for specific purposes, such as verifying identity for non-cash transactions, confirming age for restricted goods, or preventing fraud. The bill limits collected data to name, address, date of birth, and ID number, and generally prohibits retaining, selling, or sharing this information with third parties for marketing or other unrelated purposes. Exceptions allow data use for legally required transmissions or to specific entities like consumer reporting agencies, and violations can result in a civil penalty of up to $1,000.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits unauthorized scanning/retention of ID data, limiting collection to protect privacy per bill's core provisions on data handling.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection

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in committee · New York · Assembly May 12, 2026

A 4066: Relates to electronic signatures on the form MV-82, application for registration/title

This bill requires New York's Motor Vehicle Commissioner to accept electronic signatures for all documents related to vehicle registration, titles, and other motor vehicle records. It directly affects drivers, dealers, and anyone submitting forms to the Department of Motor Vehicles, including those transferring titles or signing powers of attorney. The key provision mandates that electronic signatures - defined as digital processes with intent to sign - must be accepted whether submitted online or printed after electronic signing. Physical documents like title certificates still require original paper copies in certain cases, but electronic signatures cannot be refused if they meet the bill’s requirements. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires acceptance of electronic signatures for DMV documents, advancing digital transaction capabilities and enabling online services per bill's mandate.90% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4065: Requires social media networks to verify the age of account holders

This bill requires social media platforms to verify the age of all account holders (new and existing) using a third-party vendor. Social media networks must complete verification within 30 days of account creation for new users or within 30 days of a user's first access attempt after the law takes effect for existing accounts. If verification isn't completed within the timeframe, platforms must deny access to the account until it's resolved. The Consumer Protection Division will establish specific verification methods, data security standards, and rules for handling age-related information collected during compliance.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires age verification for social media, advancing data privacy protections for minors through consumer-focused regulation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Online Safety Social Media

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failed · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7611: Establishes the digital government modernization initiative and the digital government enhancements pilot program

Enacts the "New York State Digital Government Modernization Act"; establishes the digital government modernization initiative and the digital government enhancements pilot program.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill creates digital government modernization initiative and pilot program, directly advancing digital infrastructure and services as a technology policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Digital Government

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3656: Creates the crime of unlawful possession of a radio frequency jamming device

This bill creates a new class D felony offense for knowingly possessing a device that disrupts wireless communications (like cell signals or radio), without authorization. It directly affects individuals who own or carry such jamming devices, making possession illegal even if not actively used. The key provision defines the crime broadly as possessing any device capable of interfering with wireless signals through radio noise or signals. The penalty is a felony, with no mention of exceptions or specific exemptions for authorized uses like law enforcement.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill creates new class D felony for possessing jamming devices, expanding criminalization without exceptions. Aligns with 'oppose' indicator: increases criminalization.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill creates felony for possessing devices disrupting wireless communications, directly enhancing cybersecurity by preventing interference with critical communication infrastructure.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Telecommunications

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passed · New York · Senate Apr 16, 2026

S 354: Expands the healthcare services provided by telehealth

This bill expands telehealth healthcare coverage by requiring insurers and government programs to reimburse telehealth services at the same rate as in-person visits, with specific exceptions. It ensures telehealth providers are paid equally for most services, though they won't be reimbursed for facility costs (like clinic fees) that weren't incurred during virtual visits. Mental health services delivered via telehealth - covered under specific mental hygiene laws - must receive full in-person reimbursement rates unless a commissioner deems them inappropriate. New telehealth modalities, provider types, or locations require federal funding approval. The bill aims to make telehealth financially equivalent to in-person care for most covered services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates equal reimbursement for telehealth vs in-person visits, expanding access and requiring full coverage for mental health services under mental hygiene laws.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates equal reimbursement for telehealth services, directly advancing technology-enabled healthcare access and removing financial barriers to telehealth adoption.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Primary Care Telehealth

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passed · New York · Senate May 14, 2026

S 7713: Restricts the use of automatic license plate reader information

Prohibits automatic license plate reader users from selling, sharing, allowing access to, or transferring automatic license plate reader information to any state or local jurisdiction for the purpose of investigating or enforcing a law that denies or interferes with a person's right to choose or obtain reproductive health care services or any lawful health care services.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestricts law enforcement data use to protect reproductive health care access, aligning with civil rights protections in criminal justice reform.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill prohibits using license plate data to enforce laws restricting reproductive healthcare access, directly protecting patient rights in healthcare services.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRestricts sharing of ALPR data to prevent misuse in health care enforcement, directly strengthening data privacy protections under technology policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Women's Health Consumer Data Protection

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3109: Establishes the "broadband deployment assistance act"

Establishes the "broadband deployment assistance act"; requires that substantially similar permits for broadband deployment be processed together at the same time and on an expedited basis; defines terms; authorizes municipalities to simultaneously process certain broadband permit applications that are substantially similar.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyStreamlines broadband permit processing to accelerate deployment, directly expanding internet access infrastructure per bill's expedited permit requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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