Bill > A01045

This bill prohibits law enforcement agencies in New York from using biometric surveillance technology, which includes any automated system that identifies or generates information about individuals using their unique physical characteristics like facial features, fingerprints, voice, or DNA. The legislation establishes a biometric surveillance regulation task force comprised of 12 members from various backgrounds, including data privacy experts, civil rights advocates, and technology specialists, who will comprehensively study the use of such technologies both in the United States and internationally. The task force is charged with examining the current and potential uses of biometric surveillance systems, evaluating their accuracy and potential impacts, particularly on marginalized communities, and determining whether and under what circumstances law enforcement might be permitted to use such technologies in the future. The bill acknowledges significant concerns about the technology's accuracy, especially for women, young people, and people of color, and argues that its current use poses risks of wrongful targeting and violations of privacy and civil liberties. By January 2030, the task force must produce a detailed report with findings and recommendations, after which the provisions establishing the task force will expire. Notably, the bill does allow some limited exceptions for specific uses like fingerprint scanning during lawful detentions or DNA comparisons in forensic investigations.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1045