Technology

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5954: Prohibits students from possessing cellphones during classroom instruction

This bill (A 5954) would amend education law to prohibit students from possessing cellphones during classroom instruction. It directly affects students in K-12 schools by requiring schools to establish policies banning cellphone use in classrooms. The key provision adds specific language to school conduct codes, explicitly banning cellphone possession during class time and authorizing disciplinary measures for violations. The bill is currently pending in the Education committee (referred February 25, 2025) and has not yet become law.

Topics ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill explicitly restricts student cellphone use in classrooms, directly limiting access to personal technology during instruction.90% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4119: Relates to prohibiting the use or access of the TikTok application on state-issued electronic devices

This bill bans the TikTok application and website from all state-issued electronic devices, including government phones, laptops, and internet-capable equipment. It directly affects state employees, contractors, and any entity working with state agencies when using state-owned or leased devices. The law prohibits both downloading TikTok and accessing its website on these devices, with immediate effect. This policy change applies to all state agencies and their contracted partners without exception.

Topics ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill explicitly bans TikTok on state devices, restricting access to a specific technology platform without promoting broader tech policies or privacy/security enhancements.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jun 4, 2026

S 8217: Requires certain covered platforms to provide a process for law enforcement agencies to contact such platform, and to comply with search warrants within seventy-two hours

Requires an operator of a covered platform with at least one million users to ensure that its covered platform provides a process to allow law enforcement agencies to contact such covered platform, which shall provide continuous availability of such process; provides that an operator of a covered platform with at least one million users shall comply with a search warrant within seventy-two hours of receipt under certain circumstances; provides that a court may extend the time for compliance with a search warrant under certain circumstances.

Topics ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyRequires platforms to comply with law enforcement warrants within 72 hours, facilitating data access and weakening user privacy protections.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6211: Prohibits the use of biometric surveillance system or biometric surveillance information in places of public accommodation

Prohibits the use of biometric surveillance system or biometric surveillance information in places of public accommodation; prohibits entering into any agreement that authorizes any third party to use any biometric surveillance system or biometric surveillance information; provides penalties for violations.

Topics ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyProhibits biometric surveillance systems in public spaces, directly restricting a technology that raises data privacy concerns.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6180: Excludes a production using artificial intelligence or autonomous vehicles in a manner which results in the displacement of employees from the definition of qualified film

Excludes a production using artificial intelligence or autonomous vehicles in a manner which results in the displacement of employees whose salaries are qualified expenses from the definition of qualified film for the purposes of the empire state film production credit.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill restricts tax credit eligibility for AI/autonomous vehicle film productions, limiting state tax incentives by excluding qualifying expenses related to employee displacement.90% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill restricts tax credit eligibility for AI/autonomous vehicle use causing job displacement, opposing tech adoption that harms workers in film production.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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signed · New York · Senate Dec 19, 2025

S 3259: Relates to prohibiting the procurement of certain technology and products which pose a state or national security risk

Aligns state and local procurement laws with federal law prohibiting the procurement of certain information and communications technology and electronic parts or products which are determined to pose a risk to state and national security.

Topics ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyProhibits procurement of tech posing security risks, restricting certain products to enhance cybersecurity per federal alignment.95% confidence

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 7956: Requires human safety operators for certain autonomous vehicles

Prohibits any motor vehicle with a manufacturers' gross vehicle weight rating of ten thousand one pounds or more which utilizes autonomous vehicle technology from being operated on public highways unless a natural person holding a valid license for the operation of the motor vehicle's class is present within such vehicle.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRequires human operators for autonomous vehicles, preserving driving jobs and preventing automation-driven job loss, thus supporting labor employment protection.85% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyMandates human operators for autonomous vehicles, restricting full automation and limiting deployment of self-driving technology per bill's prohibition clause.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRequires human operators for autonomous vehicles to enhance safety standards, directly aligning with transportation safety enhancements in vehicle regulations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Autonomous Vehicles Driver Licensing

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4056: Permits school districts and childcare businesses to look at the social media accounts of prospective employees

Permits school districts and entities licensed pursuant to section three hundred ninety of the social services law to look at the social media accounts of prospective employees.

Topics ✗ Labor & EmploymentOpposes Labor & EmploymentBill permits employers to view job applicants' social media, restricting privacy rights in hiring - a worker protection issue. Aligns with 'restricts worker privacy' under OPPOSE indicators.80% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyPermits employers to access private social media, weakening data privacy protections by enabling unauthorized review of personal accounts.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Social Media

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 8004: Prohibits the use of biometric surveillance system or biometric surveillance information in places of public accommodation

Prohibits the use of biometric surveillance system or biometric surveillance information in places of public accommodation; prohibits entering into any agreement that authorizes any third party to use any biometric surveillance system or biometric surveillance information; provides penalties for violations.

Topics ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyProhibits biometric surveillance systems in public spaces, directly restricting a specific technology application to protect privacy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6751: Excludes a production using artificial intelligence or autonomous vehicles in a manner which results in the displacement of employees from the definition of qualified film

Excludes a production using artificial intelligence or autonomous vehicles in a manner which results in the displacement of employees whose salaries are qualified expenses from the definition of qualified film for the purposes of the empire state film production credit.

Topics ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill excludes AI/autonomous vehicle film productions displacing workers from tax credits, restricting tech adoption to protect jobs in film production.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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