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NY A01447: Prohibits the use of facial recognition and biometric information as the sole factor in determining the existence of probable cause to place in custo…

In Committee New York · 2025–2026 session

Last verified Oct 12, 2026 · official bill text

A01447 · where it stands

1 of 5 steps complete
  1. Introduced In committee
  2. Passed first chamber
  3. Passed both chambers
  4. Enacted
  5. Effective
What do these statuses mean?
Introduced
Filed in the legislature; may be waiting for a committee hearing.
Passed a chamber
Approved by one or both chambers; awaiting further action.
Enacted
Signed into law, or became law without a signature or over a veto.
Effective date
The date the law says it takes effect. Once it has passed, the page shows "Effective" and the date. A court order can still block a law; if we know of one, the summary says so.
Dead / vetoed
Vetoed, failed, or the session ended without action.
View full title

Prohibits the use of facial recognition and biometric information as the sole factor in determining the existence of probable cause to place in custody or arrest an individual.

In one paragraph

New York's A 1447 would amend the Executive Law (new § 837-z) so that biometric identifying technology, including facial recognition, cannot be the sole factor in determining probable cause to place a person in custody or arrest them. By January 1, 2027, every municipal police department, sheriff's office and the State Police would have to adopt a written policy barring stops, detentions or searches solely motivated by the technology, or the Division of Criminal Justice Services would order a penalty of withheld state funds. Would take effect immediately. Referred to Governmental Operations January 7, 2026; it has not passed either chamber.

Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.

What it means for business

None yet: the bill is pending. If enacted, it would limit police reliance on facial recognition and biometric tools alone for arrests; vendors selling such tools to New York agencies would see added policy restrictions.

Key provisions

  1. "Biometric identifying technology" means software, an algorithm, product or application that collects or analyzes biometric information to identify an individual, including facial recognition
  2. Such technology "shall not be the sole factor" in determining probable cause to place a person in custody or arrest them
  3. By January 1, 2027, agencies must adopt a written policy prohibiting stops, detentions or searches "solely motivated" by the technology
  4. Non-compliant agencies face an appropriate penalty ordered by the Division of Criminal Justice Services, in the form of withholding state funds
  5. Would take effect immediately; no private right of action or exemptions stated

Latest legislative action

Jan 7, 2026. referred to governmental operations

Sponsors (showing 5 of 9)

NameRole
Primary
D Primary
Primary
D Primary
Primary

Related and companion bills

Topics and industries

Related topics

Facial RecognitionAI in Law Enforcement

Affected industries

GovernmentTechnology

This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error

Related AI laws in New York

All New York bills →
S01096 Establishes the "protect our privacy (POP) act" to impose limitations on the use A7172 Relation to the regulation of the use of artificial intelligence and facial reco A00972 Establishes the "protect our privacy (POP) act" to impose limitations on the use S5609 Prohibits the use of biometric surveillance technology by law enforcement; estab A1045 Prohibits the use of biometric surveillance technology by law enforcement; estab S01609 Prohibits the use of biometric surveillance technology by law enforcement; estab

Same topic in other states

Montana SB397 Generally revise laws related to privacy and facial recognition technology Virginia HB1496 Law-enforcement agencies; surveillance technology reporting. Utah SB231 Public Surveillance Prohibition Amendments Vermont S0124 An act relating to governmental structures protecting the public health, safety, Maine LD1585 An Act To Increase Privacy and Security by Regulating the Use of Facial Surveill Minnesota SF3072 An act relating to public safety; ... regulating the use of unmanned aerial vehi