What's happening
This bill requires judges to instruct juries that biometric evidence alone cannot determine the outcome of a criminal trial.
Why it matters
Addresses concerns about the reliability of biometric evidence. (such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or DNA), which can be prone to errors, misidentification, or bias, especially when relied on without supporting evidence.
Requires active judicial involvement. to remind juries that biometric data alone should not determine guilt or innocence, potentially resulting in more thorough deliberations and less chance of wrongful convictions.
Empowers defense and prosecution. by allowing either side to request this specific jury instruction, ensuring both parties have a procedural tool to shape how evidence is weighed.
Reflects growing skepticism about technology in the justice system. , signaling legislative recognition that scientific evidence, while valuable, should not overshadow the need for holistic, corroborative fact-finding in criminal trials.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Limit Biometric Evidence Weight
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to codes
- Referred to codes
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
1442
2025-2026 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 9, 2025
Introduced by M. of A. ROSENTHAL -- read once and referred to the Committee on Codes
AN ACT to amend the criminal procedure law, in relation to allowing a jury instruction stating biometric evidence shall not be dispositive in the jury's decision
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 300.10 of the criminal procedure law is amended by adding a new subdivision 2-a to read as follows:
2-a. In any criminal trial or proceeding, upon the request of a party, the court shall instruct the jury as follows: "Any presentation of biometric evidence shall not be dispositive in the jury's decision."
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have become a law.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD03839-01-5
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.