New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A01294

Introduced
1/9/25  
Refer
1/9/25  

Caption

Prohibits the disclosure of highway, bridge, tunnel and other thoroughfare toll and transit records, with exceptions.

Summary

Bill A01294 aims to amend the civil rights law in New York to enhance the privacy of electronic fare and toll records. It establishes that records related to electronic toll and fare payments, such as E-Z Pass and Metrocard transactions, are confidential and not subject to public disclosure. The bill outlines specific circumstances under which these records may be disclosed, primarily for law enforcement purposes, while ensuring that account holders can access their own information. Additionally, it mandates that public entities provide clear notice to account holders about their rights regarding these records.

Impact

The bill will significantly impact how public entities handle electronic toll and fare records, reinforcing privacy protections for individuals. It amends existing civil rights laws to explicitly classify these records as confidential, thus limiting their availability under the Freedom of Information Law. This change aims to protect personal travel data from unauthorized access while allowing for necessary disclosures in law enforcement contexts, thereby balancing privacy with public safety needs.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A01294 appears to be generally supportive, as it addresses growing concerns about privacy in the context of increasing reliance on electronic payment systems. Discussions indicate a recognition of the need for confidentiality in personal travel data, although the bill's specifics regarding law enforcement access may spark further debate among stakeholders.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise around the balance between privacy and law enforcement access to these records. While some advocates emphasize the importance of protecting individual privacy, law enforcement agencies may argue for broader access to ensure public safety. The specific conditions under which records can be disclosed could be a focal point of discussion as the bill progresses.

Companion Bills

NY S05034

Same As Prohibits the disclosure of highway, bridge, tunnel and other thoroughfare toll and transit records, with exceptions.

Previously Filed As

NY A00517

Prohibits the disclosure of highway, bridge, tunnel and other thoroughfare toll and transit records, with exceptions.

NY S03271

Prohibits the disclosure of highway, bridge, tunnel and other thoroughfare toll and transit records, with exceptions.

NY S05034

Prohibits the disclosure of highway, bridge, tunnel and other thoroughfare toll and transit records, with exceptions.

MI HB4809

Highways: bridges; tolling enforcement program; provide for. Amends title & sec. 219 of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.219) & adds secs. 820a & 820b.

NY A07900

Prohibits the disclosure of individualized fare payment data by the metropolitan commuter transportation authority and the New York city transit authority for the purpose of maintaining customer privacy; provides certain exceptions when such data can be disclosed.

IN SB0015

Right-of-way and thoroughfares.

NY S09493

Directs the commissioner of transportation, in consultation with the New York state bridge authority, thruway authority, triborough bridge and tunnel authority, metropolitan transportation authority, and port authority of New York and New Jersey, shall conduct a statewide study and review of the tolling authorities' regulations and policies in relation to cashless tolling and tolls by mail collection (Part A); provides that no fine, fee or administrative charge for the late payment of a toll shall exceed ten per centum of the amount of such toll owed or be accessed within one hundred eighty days from the date of the incurred toll (Part B); requires the department of transportation, in consultation and cooperation with the New York state thruway authority, the New York state bridge authority, the metropolitan transportation authority, and the Port authority of New York and New Jersey, maintain a central website with the contact information for each authority's relevant toll payer advocate office and customer service center including phone numbers, email addresses and a website address or hyperlink for each authority's toll payer advocate help request form (Part C); establishes a cashless tolling amnesty program for certain public authorities (Part D).

NJ A4546

Prohibits NJTA and SJTA from charging and collecting tolls.

NY A09070

Directs the commissioner of transportation, in consultation with the New York state bridge authority, thruway authority, triborough bridge and tunnel authority, metropolitan transportation authority, and port authority of New York and New Jersey, shall conduct a statewide study and review of the tolling authorities' regulations and policies in relation to cashless tolling and tolls by mail collection (Part A); provides that no fine, fee or administrative charge for the late payment of a toll shall exceed ten per centum of the amount of such toll owed or be accessed within one hundred eighty days from the date of the incurred toll (Part B); requires the department of transportation, in consultation and cooperation with the New York state thruway authority, the New York state bridge authority, the metropolitan transportation authority, and the Port authority of New York and New Jersey, maintain a central website with the contact information for each authority's relevant toll payer advocate office and customer service center including phone numbers, email addresses and a website address or hyperlink for each authority's toll payer advocate help request form (Part C); establishes a cashless tolling amnesty program for certain public authorities (Part D).

KS HB2166

Continuing in existence certain exceptions to the disclosure of public records under the open records act.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.