New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A00221

Introduced
1/8/25  
Refer
1/8/25  

Caption

Establishes a cause of action against any person who intentionally intrudes, physically or otherwise, upon the solitude or seclusion of another or their private affairs or concerns if such intrusion would be highly offensive to a reasonable person.

Summary

Bill A00221 proposes an amendment to the civil rights law in New York, specifically by introducing a new section 50-h that establishes a cause of action for intrusion upon seclusion. This legislation allows individuals to sue for damages if someone intentionally intrudes upon their solitude or private affairs in a manner that would be considered highly offensive to a reasonable person. The bill outlines that the finder of fact may award various forms of relief, including injunctive relief, punitive damages, compensatory damages, and reasonable court costs and attorney's fees.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would create a new legal avenue for individuals to seek redress for violations of their privacy rights in New York. It would amend existing civil rights laws to explicitly recognize the right to privacy concerning personal solitude and seclusion. This could lead to an increase in privacy-related lawsuits and may require adjustments in how businesses and individuals handle private information and interactions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A00221 appears to be cautiously supportive among privacy advocates who see it as a necessary step to protect individuals' rights. However, there may be concerns from some business groups about the potential for increased litigation and the implications for operational practices regarding privacy.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns from business interests about the potential for frivolous lawsuits and the burden this may place on companies. Additionally, there may be debates regarding the definition of what constitutes 'highly offensive' intrusion and how this standard will be applied in practice. Privacy advocates, on the other hand, argue that stronger protections are essential in the digital age.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NY S09658

Establishes a private right of action for any person whose personally identifying information was intentionally disclosed by another individual, without consent, for the purpose of harassing, threatening, intimidating, or causing harm to such person, or with reckless disregard as to whether such disclosure would cause such harm; defines personal information.

NY A10091

Establishes a private right of action for any person whose personally identifying information was intentionally disclosed by another individual, without consent, for the purpose of harassing, threatening, intimidating, or causing harm to such person, or with reckless disregard as to whether such disclosure would cause such harm; defines personal information.

NY A00378

Establishes a cause of action against any person who gives publicity to a matter concerning the private life of a person where the matter publicized is of a kind that would be highly offensive to a reasonable person and is not of legitimate concern to the public.

NY S03070

Establishes masked harassment when a person wears a mask or other face covering that intentionally hides or conceals their face for the primary purpose of menacing or threatening another person or placing another person or group of persons in reasonable fear for their physical safety.

NY A03133

Establishes masked harassment when a person wears a mask or other face covering that intentionally hides or conceals their face for the primary purpose of menacing or threatening another person or placing another person or group of persons in reasonable fear for their physical safety.

NY A09460

Relates to actions for claims arising out of coerced debts; limits certain actions; established a right of action against person who causes another to incur coerced debt.

NY S08830

Relates to actions for claims arising out of coerced debts; limits certain actions; established a right of action against person who causes another to incur coerced debt.

NY A11306

Establishes a private right of action against mental health professionals who engaged in sexual orientation change efforts and revives such actions otherwise barred by the existing statute of limitations

NY S09817

Establishes a private right of action against mental health professionals who engaged in sexual orientation change efforts, revives such actions otherwise barred by the existing statute of limitations and grants trial preference to such actions.

NY A11053

Provides that a person is guilty of assault in the second degree when such person recklessly or with intent to cause physical injury to another person causes physical injury to another person in any place, conveyance, or vehicle used for public transportation or public transit; provides that a person is guilty of assault in the first degree when with intent to cause serious physical injury to another person such person causes such injury to such other person in any place, conveyance, or vehicle used for public transportation or public transit.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.