In one paragraph
New York's S 8223 (same as A 6363) would add Real Property Law section 235-k making it unlawful for a landlord to obtain, retain, access or use, on any residential premises, any facial recognition system or any information obtained from one. Facial recognition covers identifying people from their faces and analyzing faces to judge sentiment, state of mind or dangerousness. The Attorney General could seek an injunction and a civil penalty up to $10,000, and affected people could sue. Introduced May 23, 2025 and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee (again January 7, 2026); it has not passed either house.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
None yet: the bill has not been enacted. If enacted, landlords and property managers could not use facial recognition systems, or information from them, on residential premises.
Key provisions
- Would add Real Property Law section 235-k: facial recognition is the automated or semi-automated identification of a person from facial characteristics, or analysis of a face to determine sentiment, state of mind or other propensities such as level of dangerousness
- It would be unlawful for any landlord to obtain, retain, access or use, on any residential premises, any facial recognition system or any information obtained from or by use of one
- The Attorney General could seek an injunction without proof of injury and a court could impose a civil penalty of not more than $10,000 and direct restitution
- A person subjected to facial recognition in violation, or about whom information was obtained or used, could sue to enjoin it and recover actual damages or $1,000, whichever is greater, plus costs and reasonable attorneys' fees if the plaintiff prevails
- Would take effect on the 120th day after becoming law
- Status: introduced in the Senate May 23, 2025 and referred to Judiciary; referred to Judiciary again January 7, 2026; not passed by either chamber
Latest legislative action
Jan 7, 2026. REFERRED TO JUDICIARY
Sponsors (showing 5 of 6)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| ALCANTARA | Primary |
| Brian Kavanagh D | Primary |
| Jessica Ramos D | Primary |
| RATH | Primary |
| Jabari Brisport D | Cosponsor |
Topics and industries
Related topics
Affected industries
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