Bill > S08603

This bill proposes to amend the New York State Constitution by adding a new constitutional right to privacy. Specifically, it would insert a new section (Section 20) into Article 1 of the state constitution that explicitly recognizes and protects the right of people to privacy. The proposed language states that this right "shall not be infringed" and instructs courts to consider two key factors when applying this right: the nature and extent of any information that might be obtained, and the nature and extent of the intrusion. The bill also includes a standard procedural requirement that the proposed constitutional amendment be referred to the first regular legislative session after the next general election, and be published for three months prior to that election, which is a typical process for constitutional amendments in New York. This proposed amendment aims to provide explicit constitutional protection for personal privacy, giving individuals and courts a clear constitutional basis for protecting private information and preventing unwarranted intrusions.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8603