Bill > S00074

This bill creates a comprehensive and detailed legal framework for addressing identity theft offenses in New York, establishing five distinct tiers of crimes based on the financial impact and number of victims. The bill defines "personal identifying information" expansively to include a wide range of personal data such as social security numbers, financial account details, medical information, and unique identifiers like biometric data. It establishes graduated criminal offenses ranging from petit identity theft (a misdemeanor) to identity theft in the first degree (a class B felony), with increasing severity based on factors like the monetary value of goods or services obtained, the number of people victimized, and whether the crime targets vulnerable populations like military personnel or elderly individuals. The bill also introduces new offenses related to unlawful possession of personal identifying information and skimmer devices, creating multiple degrees of these crimes with escalating penalties for repeat offenders. Additionally, the legislation updates various sections of New York's penal, criminal procedure, general business, state technology, and executive laws to accommodate these new identity theft provisions, and includes specific defenses for certain age-related identity misuse scenarios, such as purchasing alcohol or accessing age-restricted venues.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S74