NY A00954: Directs the director of the office of information technology services to conduct a study on the use of biometric identifying technology; prohibits th…
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Directs the director of the office of information technology services to conduct a study on the use of biometric identifying technology; prohibits the use of biometric identifying technology in schools until July 1, 2022 or until the commissioner of education authorizes such purchase or…
AI Summary
This bill, introduced on January 6, 2021, mandates a study on biometric technology in schools and prohibits its use in public and nonpublic schools, including charter schools, until authorized by the education commissioner.
If you operate a school in New York, you must refrain from using biometric technology until authorized or face potential legal issues.
State
New York
Bill Number
A00954
Status
Passed Both Chambers
Risk Level
Medium
Category
Study/Task Force
Last Action
Jan 28, 2021
Last Verified
May 1, 2026
Data Updated
May 5, 2026
What do these statuses mean?▼
Introduced— Filed in the legislature; not yet heard in committee
In Committee— Assigned to and being reviewed by a legislative committee
Passed— Approved by one or both chambers; awaiting further action
Signed / Enacted— Signed into law by the governor; may or may not be in effect yet
Dead / Vetoed— Vetoed, failed to pass, or session expired without action
Unknown— Status data not yet available or awaiting classification
Affected Industries
EducationTechnology
What This Means
The bill, introduced on January 6, 2021, focuses on regulating biometric identifying technology in public and nonpublic schools, including charter schools, prohibiting its use until a comprehensive study is conducted. It aims to protect student privacy and civil rights while evaluating the implications of such technology in educational settings.
Key Provisions
Prohibits the use of biometric identifying technology in public and nonpublic schools, including charter schools, until July 1, 2022, or until authorized by the commissioner.
Defines 'biometric identifying technology' and 'biometric information'.
Requires a report on the implications of biometric technology before any authorization.
Allows limited use of biometric technology for employee identification with consent.
Mandates public hearings and stakeholder consultation for the report.
Repeals previous provisions related to biometric technology in education law.
Latest Legislative Action
signed chap.2
Bill Sponsors (showing 5 of 29)
Name
Role
Clyde VanelD
Primary
Joe AngelinoR
Primary
JONES
Primary
KAVANAGH
Primary
WALLACE
Primary
Angelo J. MorinelloR
Cosponsor
BARRON
Cosponsor
BICHOTTE
Cosponsor
Brian D. MillerR
Cosponsor
Brian ManktelowR
Cosponsor
CARROLL
Cosponsor
COLTON
Cosponsor
Crystal Peoples-StokesD
Cosponsor
David DiPietro
Cosponsor
David McDonough
Cosponsor
DAVILA
Cosponsor
DE LA ROSA
Cosponsor
GOTTFRIED R
Cosponsor
HYNDMAN
Cosponsor
Joe DeStefanoR
Cosponsor
John LemondesR
Cosponsor
JOYNER
Cosponsor
MOSLEY
Cosponsor
ORTIZ
Cosponsor
PICHARDO
Cosponsor
ROSENTHAL L
Cosponsor
SEAWRIGHT
Cosponsor
SEPULVEDA
Cosponsor
WALKER
Cosponsor
Roll Call Votes
Floor Vote: Vote ·
Jan 25, 2021
47 Yea 16 NayPassed ✓
Assembly Vote ·
Jan 12, 2021
149 Yea 0 Nay 1 OtherPassed ✓
Compliance Checklist
Refrain from using biometric identifying technology Who: Public and nonpublic schools Deadline: Until authorized by the commissioner Penalty: Potential legal issues
Prepare for compliance with future regulations Who: School administrators Deadline: Ongoing Penalty: To be determined based on future regulations
This bill, introduced on January 6, 2021, requires the director of the office of information technology services to conduct a study on biometric identifying technology, specifically in public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools, including charter schools. Until July 1, 2022, or until the commissioner of education authorizes its use, schools are prohibited from purchasing or utilizing such technology. The bill outlines specific exceptions for fingerprint identification of prospective employees and those who consent to the use of biometric technology. The commissioner of education cannot authorize the use of biometric technology without a report from the director, which must include recommendations on privacy protections, civil rights implications, and guidelines for appropriate use. The report must be made public and consider various factors, including the risks of false identifications and the effectiveness of biometric technology for school security. Stakeholder consultation is mandated during the report's preparation, ensuring input from teachers, parents, and experts in data privacy and civil rights. This comprehensive approach aims to balance the potential benefits of biometric technology with the need to protect individual rights and privacy in educational environments.
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