Bill > A00867

This bill amends the New York Penal Law to expand the legal definition of "following" in the context of fourth-degree stalking by explicitly including the unauthorized tracking of a person's movements or location using Bluetooth technology, alongside existing provisions for global positioning systems (GPS) and other tracking devices. Currently, stalking in the fourth degree is a class B misdemeanor that occurs when a person intentionally engages in a course of conduct directed at a specific person without legitimate purpose, which could reasonably cause fear for physical safety, mental/emotional health, or professional threats. The bill specifically updates the language to clarify that using Bluetooth technology to track someone without authorization can be considered stalking, providing a more comprehensive legal framework for addressing technological methods of tracking and harassment. By adding Bluetooth technology to the existing list of tracking methods, the bill aims to modernize stalking laws to account for evolving technological capabilities that can be used to inappropriately monitor or intimidate individuals.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A867