New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S08523

Introduced
10/3/25  
Refer
10/3/25  

Caption

Protects New Yorkers from unnecessary inquiry into immigration status by state agencies, employees, or departments and restricts the access of federal immigration authorities' to state buildings.

Impact

The primary impact of S08523 is the establishment of clear guidelines regarding the interaction between state officials and undocumented noncitizens. It prohibits state officers, except under certain legal circumstances, from inquiring about an individual's immigration status. This move is expected to foster a safer environment for noncitizens, allowing them to seek assistance from state services without fear of immigration-related inquiries, thereby potentially increasing civic engagement and community trust in government services.

Summary

Bill S08523, also known as the Noncitizen Protection and Public Safety Act, seeks to amend New York's civil rights law by providing protections for individuals against unnecessary inquiries into their immigration status by state agencies and restricts the access of federal immigration authorities to state buildings. This legislation aims to enhance privacy rights for noncitizens and to prevent collaboration between state authorities and federal immigration enforcement in cases where individuals are not suspected of committing illegal activity.

Contention

However, the bill has sparked notable contention. Proponents argue that it protects the civil rights of noncitizens and prevents racial profiling, enhancing public safety by encouraging victims and witnesses to report crimes. Conversely, critics assert that the legislation could hinder law enforcement's ability to address crime effectively, arguing that it may allow undocumented individuals to evade accountability for criminal activities. The debate centers around finding a balance between civil liberties and the role of law enforcement in upholding public safety.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NY A00176

Allows for state agencies, municipalities, and authorities to provide state or local public benefits regardless of immigration status.

NY S09490

Prohibits landlords or their agents from inquiring or requiring disclosure about citizenship or immigration status, requiring specific immigration documentation to be presented, disclosing immigration or citizenship status to third parties, or threatening to report a tenant's citizenship or immigration status in retaliation for asserting their rights.

NY A11176

Prohibits landlords or their agents from inquiring or requiring disclosure about citizenship or immigration status, requiring specific immigration documentation to be presented, disclosing immigration or citizenship status to third parties, or threatening to report a tenant's citizenship or immigration status in retaliation for asserting their rights.

NY LD1971

An Act to Protect Workers in This State by Clarifying the Relationship of State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies with Federal Immigration Authorities

NY A09366

Provides for procedures and restrictions regarding the discovery and disclosure of immigration status by the state and city universities of New York.

NY SB0133

Protection from immigration status disclosure.

NY A08194

Prohibits law enforcement officers and peace officers from inquiring about the immigration status of a victim of or witness to a criminal offense.

NY S08597

Prohibits children from being denied access to a free public education on account of perceived or actual citizenship or immigration status or the perceived or actual citizenship or immigration status of their parents or person in a parental relationship.

NY A10021

Prohibits children from being denied access to a free public education on account of perceived or actual citizenship or immigration status or the perceived or actual citizenship or immigration status of their parents or person in a parental relationship.

NY S09104

Relates to state and local law enforcement agency coordination with the federal government for purposes of immigration enforcement, to the release of noncitizen incarcerated individuals for federal immigration purposes, and to immigration enforcement in sensitive locations.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.