Bill > A03592

This bill amends the New York criminal procedure law to provide courts with additional authority in family offense proceedings regarding connected devices. Specifically, the bill allows a court, after holding a hearing where both parties can present their arguments, to order a defendant to transfer control of a connected device (such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer) to a family or household member. If transferring control is not feasible, the court can alternatively order the device to be disabled by its manufacturer. This provision appears designed to help protect victims of family offenses by preventing potential technological harassment or tracking, ensuring that defendants cannot use personal electronic devices to continue threatening or monitoring a family or household member against whom a family offense proceeding has been initiated. The bill would take effect immediately upon becoming law, giving courts this new discretionary power in family offense cases.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3592