New York Assembly Bill A08779

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/2/25
• Refer: 6/2/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Prohibits automatic license plate reader users from selling, sharing, allowing access to, or transferring automatic license plate reader information to any state or local jurisdiction for the purpose of investigating or enforcing a law that denies or interferes with a person's right to choose or obtain reproductive health care services or any lawful health care services.

Impact

The proposed legislation is positioned to impact state laws significantly by safeguarding the use of ALPR technology against misuse in contexts that could infringe on personal freedoms, particularly concerning reproductive health. It seeks to establish a precedent that prioritizes the confidentiality of sensitive health-related data captured by ALPR systems, directly addressing growing concerns over data privacy and civil liberties amidst increasing surveillance practices.

Summary

Bill A08779 aims to amend the general business law by imposing strict restrictions on the use of automatic license plate readers (ALPRs). The primary focus of the bill is to prohibit ALPR users from selling, sharing, or transferring captured data to any state or local jurisdiction if the information is to be used for enforcing laws that impede an individual's rights concerning reproductive health services or any other lawful health services. This bill signals an attempt to protect personal privacy in the domain of law enforcement surveillance.

Contention

The discussion surrounding Bill A08779 may reveal notable points of contention, particularly relating to the balance between law enforcement needs and individual privacy rights. Proponents are likely to argue for the necessity of protecting sensitive information from being used to monitor or discriminate against individuals seeking reproductive health services. In contrast, opponents might express concerns that the limitations on data sharing could hinder law enforcement's ability to effectively investigate crimes or track suspicious activities. This tension underscores a broader debate about the scope of surveillance technologies and their implications for civil liberties.