New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A04521

Introduced
2/4/25  
Refer
2/4/25  
Report Pass
2/24/25  
Refer
2/24/25  
Report Pass
5/21/25  
Engrossed
5/21/25  
Refer
5/21/25  
Engrossed
6/11/25  
Enrolled
11/17/25  
Chaptered
11/21/25  

Caption

Defines a "protected consumer" as an individual who is under the age of eighteen years.

Summary

Bill A04521 seeks to amend the general business law of New York by redefining the term "protected consumer" to include individuals under the age of eighteen years, as opposed to the previous threshold of sixteen years. This change aims to enhance protections for younger individuals against identity theft and fraud by allowing them to request a security freeze more easily. The bill's immediate effect upon passage signifies its urgency in addressing consumer protection issues for minors.

Impact

The passage of this bill will expand the legal definition of a "protected consumer" within New York's general business law, thereby enhancing the rights of individuals under eighteen to secure their personal information. This amendment is expected to align New York's consumer protection laws with evolving concerns about identity theft, particularly among younger populations who may be more vulnerable to such risks. It will likely lead to increased awareness and usage of security freezes among parents and guardians on behalf of their children.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A04521 has been overwhelmingly positive, as evidenced by the unanimous votes in various committees and on the assembly floor. The bill received favorable recommendations from both the Assembly Consumer Affairs and Protection Committee and the Assembly Rules Committee, indicating strong bipartisan support for enhancing consumer protections for minors. The absence of opposition during voting suggests a consensus on the importance of this legislative change.

Contention

There appears to be minimal contention regarding Bill A04521, as it has passed through all necessary committees and votes without any recorded opposition. The primary focus of discussions has been on the benefits of extending protections to a younger demographic rather than any significant disagreements on the bill's provisions. Stakeholders, including consumer advocacy groups, have expressed support for the bill, emphasizing the need for stronger safeguards against identity theft for minors.

Companion Bills

NY S06722

Same As Defines a "protected consumer" as an individual who is under the age of eighteen years.

Previously Filed As

NY S02764

Defines a "protected consumer" as an individual who is under the age of eighteen years.

NY A02578

Defines a "protected consumer" as an individual who is under the age of eighteen years.

NY S06722

Defines a "protected consumer" as an individual who is under the age of eighteen years.

NY A11594

Establishes state-facilitated investment accounts for individuals under the age of eighteen

RI H6133

Provides that the statute of limitations for second-degree sexual assault shall be 10 years from the date of the offense, or, in the case of a victim who is under the age of 18, ten years from the victim’s eighteenth birthday, whichever is later.

RI H8086

Provides that the statute of limitations for second-degree sexual assault shall be 10 years from the date of the offense, or, in the case of a victim who is under the age of 18, ten years from the victim’s eighteenth birthday, whichever is later.

RI S3105

Provides that the statute of limitations for second-degree sexual assault shall be 10 years from the date of the offense, or, in the case of a victim who is under the age of 18, ten years from the victim’s eighteenth birthday, whichever is later.

MO HJR127

Proposes a constitutional amendment providing that marriage exists only between individuals who are eighteen years of age or older

NY A10651

Requires that consumer reporting agencies contact consumers when a request is made for their consumer reports; requires consumer reporting agencies to provide the consumer with information pertaining to the entity that requested the consumer report.

US HR5

Adopting the Rules of the House of Representatives for the One Hundred Eighteenth Congress, and for other purposes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.