Technology

in committee · New York · Senate Jun 15, 2026

S 2088: Requires vehicle rental agreements instruct renters to remove personal information before returning the vehicle and permits rental vehicles to have decals informing the renter to remove such information

This bill requires rental car companies to remove all personal information (such as phone numbers or IDs) left in vehicles when customers return them. It directly affects rental businesses and their customers by mandating that companies actively clear personal data from returned vehicles. The key provision states that rental providers must delete such information upon receiving the vehicle, not just inform renters to do so. Rental companies may also use decals to remind renters to remove their own items before returning the car. The law aims to prevent data breaches from personal items accidentally left behind in rental vehicles.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates deletion of personal data from rental vehicles, strengthening data privacy protections under technology policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

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passed both · New York · Senate Jun 5, 2026

S 8026: Provides internet access to all individuals residing in temporary housing

Provides WiFi service and internet access to all individuals residing in temporary housing; relates to funding for internet service under the ConnectAll digital equity grant program.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly expands internet access through ConnectAll grant program, directly promoting digital equity as a core technology policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1873: Requires the New York city housing authority to provide adequate and reliable internet service for all housing authority residents

This bill requires the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) to provide all residents in public housing with reliable, 24/7 internet service at no additional cost. It directly affects approximately 400,000 NYCHA residents across over 170,000 housing units. The law mandates NYCHA to publish online reports detailing service disruptions (including internet outages), their duration, and repair steps starting May 1, 2025. The bill also updates existing housing law to include internet service under the same reporting standards as heat, water, and electricity. It takes effect immediately for the service requirement, with the reporting provisions aligning with prior 2024 law changes.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates free, reliable internet for NYCHA residents, enhancing tenant living conditions and aligning with tenant protection standards in public housing.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates free, reliable internet access for 400k public housing residents, directly expanding internet access and promoting digital equity per topic description.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights Broadband Access

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 156: Relates to the use of smart access systems and the information that may be gathered from such systems

This bill (A 156) regulates smart access systems in apartment buildings (class A multiple dwellings) to protect tenant privacy and ensure reliable entry. It requires owners to provide physical backup entry methods (like key fobs or cards) alongside apps, prohibits reliance solely on web-based systems, and mandates free basic access devices for tenants and children. The bill strictly limits data collection to essential information (e.g., user name, unit number, access times) and bans new biometric systems for three years, while requiring clear tenant notices about the system. It directly affects apartment owners/managers and tenants/guests by defining data rights and access standards.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRegulates smart access systems to protect tenant privacy by limiting data collection and requiring physical backups, aligning with data privacy protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Data Privacy

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 768: Enacts the "New York artificial intelligence consumer protection act"

Enacts the "New York artificial intelligence consumer protection act", in relation to preventing the use of artificial intelligence algorithms to discriminate against protected classes.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyPrevents AI discrimination against protected classes, regulating tech for consumer protection under data privacy and digital rights.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Consumer Data Protection Tags Consumer Protection

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 8788: Enacts the "facial recognition technology study act"

Enacts the "facial recognition technology study act" to study privacy concerns and potential regulatory approaches to the development of facial recognition technology.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill studies privacy concerns and regulatory approaches for facial recognition, aligning with data privacy protection indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy Emerging Technology

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5739: Establishes the "secure our data act"

Establishes the "secure our data act"; relates to cybersecurity protection by state entities; requires the office of information technology services to develop standards for data protection of state entity-maintained information.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates state entities to adopt data protection standards, directly strengthening cybersecurity measures per bill's requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Cybersecurity Data Privacy

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3343: Requires broadband providers to offer high speed broadband service to certain low-income consumers

This bill requires New York broadband providers to offer high-speed internet service at $5 per month to eligible low-income households. Eligibility includes households receiving free/reduced school meals, meeting income thresholds (185% of federal poverty level), or enrolled in SNAP, Medicaid, or certain rent assistance programs. The service must provide minimum speeds of 100 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload, with providers required to advertise the program and submit annual compliance reports to the state. Violations could result in $1,000 fines per incident.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides affordable broadband to households with school meal eligibility, enhancing student access to educational resources and closing digital equity gaps in education.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires affordable high-speed broadband for low-income households, expanding internet access and promoting digital equity as a core policy goal.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Broadband Access Telecommunications

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6471: Relates to the use of automated decision tools by landlords for making housing decisions

Bill S 6471 regulates how landlords use automated tools, such as AI or algorithms, when making housing decisions like screening applicants. It requires landlords to conduct an annual, independent "disparate impact analysis" to assess if the tool negatively affects protected groups, and a summary of this analysis must be publicly available. Landlords must also notify applicants at least 24 hours before using such a tool, explain the characteristics it assesses, and offer an alternative selection process or accommodation. If an application is denied using the tool, landlords must provide the reason for the denial.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires disparate impact analysis to prevent AI discrimination in tenant screening, directly aligning with tenant protection and anti-discrimination housing policies.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRegulates AI housing tools with transparency requirements and bias assessments, aligning with data privacy/consumer protection indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Tenant Rights Artificial Intelligence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1962: Enacts the "New York artificial intelligence consumer protection act"

Enacts the "New York artificial intelligence consumer protection act", in relation to preventing the use of artificial intelligence algorithms to discriminate against protected classes.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyPrevents AI algorithm discrimination against protected classes, aligning with consumer protection regulations in tech policy90% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Consumer Data Protection

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