New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S05034

Introduced
2/18/25  
Refer
2/18/25  

Caption

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

Summary

Bill S05034 aims to amend the civil rights law to protect 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 or legal processes, except under specific circumstances related to law enforcement needs. The bill outlines the definitions of electronic toll and fare information, the entities involved, and the conditions under which such information may be disclosed, ensuring that individual privacy is maintained while allowing for necessary law enforcement access.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly enhance the privacy protections for individuals using electronic toll and fare systems in New York. It would amend existing civil rights laws to explicitly classify electronic toll and fare records as confidential, limiting their availability to the public and protecting them from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Law. This change would affect public entities and contractors managing these systems, requiring them to implement new protocols for handling and disclosing such information.

Sentiment

The sentiment around Bill S05034 appears to be generally supportive among legislators, as it addresses growing concerns about privacy in the context of increasing electronic surveillance and data collection. However, there may be some apprehension regarding the balance between privacy and the needs of law enforcement, which could lead to discussions on the adequacy of the exceptions provided for disclosure.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from the balance between individual privacy rights and law enforcement access to electronic toll and fare records. Some stakeholders may argue that the exceptions for law enforcement could be too broad, potentially undermining the privacy protections intended by the bill. Conversely, law enforcement agencies may express concerns that the restrictions could hinder their ability to investigate crimes effectively.

Companion Bills

NY A01294

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 A01294

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.