Bill > A06720

This bill modifies existing state technology law to prohibit schools from using biometric identifying technology (such as facial recognition or fingerprint scanning) for most purposes, while creating specific exceptions. The bill allows schools to use biometric technology in three limited scenarios: (1) to identify prospective school employees for compliance with education regulations, (2) to enable teachers, administrators, and students to securely log into digital devices for academic and administrative purposes using fingerprint identification, and (3) to identify employees who have provided written consent or are represented by a union that has consented. Previously, the law had more complex provisions requiring a detailed report from the education commissioner about the potential implications of biometric technology, including privacy concerns, civil rights impacts, and technology accuracy. This bill simplifies those requirements by removing the extensive reporting mandate while maintaining restrictions on widespread biometric technology use in schools. The change aims to balance technological convenience with student and staff privacy protections, allowing only specific, consent-based uses of biometric identification technologies.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6720