Technology

passed · New York · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 10098: Relates to the maximum allowable timeframes to respond to requests for records under the freedom of information act

This bill establishes specific deadlines for government agencies to respond to freedom of information requests, aiming to speed up access to public records. It requires agencies to provide requested records within 180 days for older requests, 90 days for requests made in 2028, and 60 days for requests starting in 2029, while also mandating that agencies accept and reply to requests via email. The law includes provisions to prevent agencies from delaying responses due to a lack of staff or the volume of records, except in cases involving federal legal barriers, safety concerns, or massive record sets. Additionally, the bill mandates that agencies with websites must allow for online submission of requests and requires them to use electronic methods whenever reasonably possible.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates email usage for FOIA requests and sets strict response deadlines, enhancing digital access and efficiency.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

Track

passed · New York · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 10092: Enacts the "no gambling ads for kids act"

Enacts the "no gambling ads for kids act" under which certain covered platforms and social media platforms are prohibited from advertising a service permitting gaming-related gambling, predictive market wagering, online sweepstakes gaming, sports-related gambling, and/or traditional online gambling to minors.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill restricts gambling ads to minors on platforms, enhancing consumer protection and digital safety for youth.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

Track

passed · New York · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 9643: Relates to banning the use of biometric identifying technology in schools

This bill prohibits public and nonpublic schools, including charter schools, from purchasing or using biometric identifying technology like facial recognition for most purposes. The law allows exceptions for fingerprinting prospective employees to comply with education laws, logging into digital devices for academic use, and identifying employees who have provided written consent or whose unions have consented. The bill requires the director of the state education department to prepare a detailed report analyzing privacy risks, civil rights impacts, security effectiveness, data retention, breach risks, costs, and other factors before any such technology can be authorized for school use. This report must be made public and shared with state leaders while seeking feedback from teachers, parents, safety experts, and privacy advocates through public hearings.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill protects student privacy by restricting biometric technology use in schools, enhancing educational environment safety and data protection85% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill restricts use of biometric technology in schools, limiting adoption of facial recognition and other identifying tech despite exceptions for employee verification.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✓ Supports Technology

Track

passed · New York · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 8169: Requires all state entities to notify affected individuals in the event of a data breach where information is compromised

Requires all state entities, including local governments, to notify affected individuals in the event of a data breach where information is compromised; defines "cybersecurity incident".

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates data breach notifications for state entities, strengthening data privacy protections and cybersecurity measures per bill summary.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

Track

passed · New York · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 825: Establishes protections for minors who are featured in compensated video content

Establishes protections for minors who are featured in compensated video content that generate earnings from being shared on social media or other video-sharing websites.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill creates protections for minors in influencer content on social media platforms, advancing data privacy and digital rights safeguards for minors.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

Track

passed both · New York · Assembly May 29, 2026

A 10424: Ensures the public has virtual access to public service commission proceedings and may file documents electronically

This bill requires the Public Service Commission to allow virtual attendance for public proceedings related to gas, electric, water utilities, and settlement negotiations, while still permitting in-person participation. It also mandates that the commission and administrative law judges accept all documents electronically, eliminating the need for physical copies unless electronic submission is not feasible. The changes apply to all formal and informal matters before the commission, including hearings, rulemaking, and rate proceedings, with limited virtual access restrictions for confidential settlement negotiations.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill promotes digital access by enabling virtual public proceedings and electronic document filing, advancing technology adoption in government processes.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

Track

died · New York · Senate May 29, 2026

S 1139: Relates to requiring governmental entities to implement multifactor authentication for local and remote network access

Requires governmental entities to, whenever possible and feasible, consider implementing multifactor authentication for local and remote network access; requires public websites to encrypt all exchanges and to comply with privacy standards.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill enhances cybersecurity by requiring multifactor authentication and encryption, and protects data privacy by mandating compliance with privacy standards for public websites.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

Track

passed · New York · Senate May 28, 2026

S 10049: Updates the definition of cyberbullying in the dignity for all students act

Updates the definition of cyberbullying in the dignity for all students act to include intentionally using artificial intelligence to mimic or alter a person's likeness or voice without their consent.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill strengthens student safety by updating cyberbullying definitions, protecting students from AI-based likeness misuse in educational settings.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens digital rights by regulating AI misuse to protect individuals from likeness and voice mimicry without consent.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

Track

passed both · New York · Assembly May 28, 2026

A 9111: Relates to portable solar generation devices

This bill defines "portable solar generation devices" (moveable solar panels connecting via standard outlets, max 1,200 watts, certified by labs) and exempts them from utility interconnection and net metering requirements. It directly affects residential customers using these small solar devices and electric utilities. Key provisions prevent utilities from requiring approval, charging fees, or demanding extra equipment for these devices, while also shielding utilities from liability for device-related damage. The law takes immediate effect.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyExempts portable solar devices from utility fees/interconnection requirements, lowering barriers for residential renewable energy adoption.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExempts small solar devices from utility fees/requirements, promoting residential clean energy adoption and reducing barriers to renewable use.92% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExempts portable solar devices from utility fees/restrictions, promoting residential renewable energy technology adoption.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

Track

passed · New York · Senate May 12, 2026

S 8483: Prohibits online retailers from basing prices on certain criteria

This bill prohibits online retailers from setting different prices based on a customer's device hardware (like battery life or age), software, or physical location. It directly affects online stores that adjust prices using these factors when a customer shops through their device. Retailers may still adjust prices for legitimate reasons like local costs, real-time demand surcharges for immediate services, or physical store location differences due to taxes. The law does not restrict general discounts, coupons, or public promotions that don't rely on device-specific data.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits price discrimination based on device hardware/location, regulating tech companies for consumer protection in digital markets.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

Track