Bill > S00103

This bill establishes the New York Religious Freedom Act, which aims to protect individuals from potential discrimination or unwarranted surveillance based on religious beliefs, practices, or affiliations. The legislation prohibits state and local agencies from providing or disclosing personally identifiable religious information to federal authorities for creating lists, registries, or databases targeting specific religious, ethnic, or national origin groups. Law enforcement agencies are specifically restricted from collecting religious information except in targeted investigations with a clear connection to criminal activity or for providing religious accommodations. The bill prevents agencies from using resources to enforce federal registration requirements based on religion, national origin, or ethnicity. Importantly, agencies can still exchange aggregate, non-personally identifiable information and can continue to share citizenship or immigration status details. The bill's underlying intent is to safeguard religious freedom, protect against potential persecution, and uphold constitutional protections for diverse religious practices in New York, reflecting the state's commitment to cultural diversity and individual rights.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S103