Prohibits the monetization of ADS-B information
This bill would add a new section to the General Business Law prohibiting any public or private entity from using Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data to calculate, generate, or collect fees from aircraft owners or operators flying within New York. ADS-B is an aviation tracking system that transmits aircraft location, altitude, speed, and related information, and the bill defines the covered aircraft as small aircraft operating under federal Part 91 rules and weighing 12,500 pounds or less.
The bill creates a broad ban on monetizing ADS-B information for fee assessment purposes, while preserving permitted uses of the data for air traffic control, aviation safety, search and rescue, accident investigation, law enforcement with a warrant or exigent circumstances, and compliance with federal aviation regulations. It would take effect on January 1, 2027.
The bill would amend the General Business Law by adding section 251-d, creating a new state restriction on how ADS-B data may be used by government entities and private companies. It would prevent the use of aircraft surveillance data to impose or collect fees from qualifying aircraft operators in New York, while leaving intact operational and safety-related uses of the same data. The measure could affect airport authorities, state or local agencies, aviation service providers, and any private entity that relies on flight-tracking data for billing or fee collection.
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes, the overall sentiment appears to be protective of aircraft owners and operators, with the bill framed as a privacy and anti-fee measure rather than a regulatory expansion. The caption and structure suggest support for limiting the commercial use of aviation tracking data, while preserving public-safety and federal compliance functions. No contrary positions are documented in the provided materials.
The main point of contention is likely whether ADS-B data should be available for fee collection or monetization, versus being limited to operational and safety uses. Supporters would likely argue that aircraft tracking data should not be used to impose new charges on pilots or owners, while opponents may argue that airports or other entities need access to such data to administer fees or recover costs. A secondary issue is the scope of the prohibition, including whether it could affect existing business models or local government revenue practices tied to aviation activity.