New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S03519

Introduced
1/28/25  
Refer
1/28/25  
Engrossed
5/13/25  
Refer
5/13/25  
Refer
1/7/26  
Engrossed
4/1/26  

Caption

Redefines the term "following" for a crime of stalking in the fourth degree to include the use of certain devices or computers to gain access to, record, track or report the movement or location of a person or their property without the person's permission or authority to do so.

Summary

Bill S03519 seeks to amend the New York Penal Law by redefining the term "following" in relation to the crime of stalking in the fourth degree. The bill specifically includes the unauthorized tracking of an individual's movements or location through various technological means, such as GPS devices, spyware, or other software that can access and report on a person's location without their consent. This amendment aims to enhance protections against stalking by addressing modern methods of tracking that may not have been adequately covered under existing laws.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will expand the legal definition of stalking to encompass a broader range of behaviors that involve unauthorized tracking of individuals. This change will likely lead to increased accountability for offenders who utilize technology to stalk others, thereby strengthening the legal framework surrounding stalking offenses. It will also provide law enforcement with clearer guidelines for prosecuting such cases, potentially leading to more convictions and a deterrent effect on potential offenders.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S03519 appears to be overwhelmingly positive, as indicated by the unanimous votes in favor during committee and floor votes. The discussions leading up to the votes suggest a strong consensus among legislators regarding the necessity of updating the stalking laws to reflect advancements in technology and the growing concerns about privacy and personal safety.

Contention

There are currently no notable points of contention surrounding this bill, as it has received unanimous support in both committee and floor votes. The lack of opposition may indicate a shared understanding of the importance of addressing stalking in the context of modern technology, although future discussions could reveal differing opinions on implementation or enforcement.

Companion Bills

NY A08076

Same As Redefines the term "following" for a crime of stalking in the fourth degree to include the use of certain devices or computers to gain access to, record, track or report the movement or location of a person or their property without the person's permission or authority to do so.

Previously Filed As

NY A08076

Redefines the term "following" for a crime of stalking in the fourth degree to include the use of certain devices or computers to gain access to, record, track or report the movement or location of a person or their property without the person's permission or authority to do so.

NY H5655

Makes it a misdemeanor to harass another person by following them and using an electronic device to record their movements in any public or private place.

NY S978

Makes it fourth degree crime to engage in certain tracking and location activities.

NY A4542

Makes it fourth degree crime to engage in certain tracking and location activities.

NY A07215

Establishes the false reporting survivors act which establishes the crimes of aggravated falsely reporting an incident in the first, second, and third degrees when a person commits the crime of falsely reporting an incident in the first, second, or third degree and such person intended to harass, annoy, threaten, or alarm another person because of a belief or perception regarding a person's race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or ethnicity; authorizes officers to arrest persons believed to have committed falsely reporting an incident without first obtaining a warrant; includes such falsely reporting as a hate crime; authorizes the law enforcement misconduct investigative office to receive and investigate complaints alleging falsely reporting an incident; establishes databases of law enforcement officers and persons convicted of falsely reporting; requires notifying persons of the termination of certain criminal actions or proceedings; relates to the statute of limitations for filing an action relating to falsely reporting.

NY H0663

Use of Tracking Devices or Applications to Commit Dangerous Crimes

NY A01970

Includes the use of Bluetooth technology in the definition of "following" a person, as it relates to the crime of stalking in the fourth degree.

NY A00867

Includes the use of Bluetooth technology in the definition of "following" a person, as it relates to the crime of stalking in the fourth degree.

NY H5176

Prohibits an educational institution or school district from accessing or using location data for tracking a student's institutional device or personal device, except in limited circumstances.

NY S0232

Prohibits an educational institution or school district from accessing or using location data for tracking a student's institutional device or personal device, except in limited circumstances.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.