What's happening
This bill makes it illegal to use drones for secret surveillance or recording of people in places where they expect privacy.
Why it matters
Expands privacy protections. By specifically addressing drone and aerial imaging technology, the bill updates existing law to cover modern threats to personal privacy that were not anticipated before widespread drone use.
Targets intentional misuse. The law applies only when someone *intentionally* uses or allows a device to secretly watch, broadcast, or record others, making it clear that accidental or unintentional drone footage isn’t targeted.
Clarifies “reasonable expectation of privacy”. This language reinforces that locations like homes, backyards, or other private areas are protected, giving people stronger legal grounds if they feel their privacy was invaded by drones.
Addresses technological loopholes. By explicitly naming aerial imaging, the bill closes gaps that could have left drone-based surveillance unregulated under older statutes, helping to keep privacy laws current with rapid advances in technology.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Ban Drone Spying
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to codes
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Ban Drone Privacy Violations
In Senate Committee · Codes · Sponsor James Sanders Jr.
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
10939
IN ASSEMBLY
May 29, 2018
Introduced by M. of A. TAGUE -- read once and referred to the Committee on Codes
AN ACT to amend the penal law, in relation to conducting unlawful surveillance by use of a drone
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 250.45 of the penal law is amended by adding a new subdivision 6 to read as follows:
6. Without the knowledge or consent of a person, he or she intentionally uses or permits the utilization of a device to surreptitiously view, broadcast, or record another person, by means of aerial imaging technology, at a place and time when a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD02198-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.