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Establishes the "protect our privacy (POP) act" to impose limitations on the use of drones for law enforcement purposes; prohibits the use of drones by law enforcement at concerts, protests, demonstrations, or other actions protected by the first amendment.
In one paragraph
New York's S 1096, the protect our privacy (POP) act, would add Civil Rights Law section 52-e. It would prohibit drone use by law enforcement agencies or for law enforcement purposes, with exceptions for search and rescue and examining dangerous areas after natural disasters, bar drones at concerts, protests and other First Amendment activity, and bar armed drones. Data from drones using facial recognition could not be used in investigations or prosecutions and would have to be deleted. Remedies would include suppression and a private action for the greater of $1,000 per violation or actual damages. Referred to Codes 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. It would govern law enforcement drone use and put no direct duties on private businesses, though agencies could not obtain drone information from private parties by agreement.
Key provisions
- General ban on drone use by a law enforcement agency, its employees or for law enforcement purposes; no warrant may be sought or issued and agencies may not contract with private parties for drone information; exceptions are search and rescue and examining dangerous areas after natural disasters
- Drones may not be used to document, record, investigate or collect data at concerts, protests, demonstrations or other First Amendment-protected activity; agencies may not possess or use an armed drone
- Data from drones using facial recognition, including privately owned drones, may not be used in ongoing investigations or prosecutions and must be promptly deleted
- Drone data held by agencies is subject to FOIL with personal identifying information redacted; data not tied to an ongoing investigation or proceeding must be destroyed in one year or less absent a subpoena or court order
- Courts must suppress evidence obtained in violation on a defendant's motion
- Private action against the government entity for $1,000 per violation or actual damages (whichever is greater), punitive damages, injunctive or declaratory relief and mandatory attorneys' fees; Assembly companion A972
- Would take effect immediately
Latest legislative action
Jan 7, 2026. referred to codes
Sponsors (showing 5 of 23)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| HOYLMAN | Primary |
| Jamaal Bailey D | Primary |
| Jessica Ramos D | Primary |
| LIU | Primary |
| RIVERA | Primary |
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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