What's happening
This bill adds the use of Bluetooth technology for unauthorized tracking to the definition of stalking in the fourth degree.
Why it matters
Expands legal protections against stalking by explicitly including Bluetooth-based tracking. this closes a loophole where devices like AirTags or other Bluetooth trackers weren’t clearly covered by older laws focused on GPS.
Addresses advancements in technology. by recognizing that stalkers are increasingly using inexpensive, easily hidden Bluetooth devices to track victims without their knowledge or consent.
Makes prosecution of tech-enabled stalking easier. for law enforcement and prosecutors, as the law now clearly defines unauthorized Bluetooth tracking as a form of stalking, reducing ambiguity in charging decisions.
Aims to deter misuse of everyday technology. for harassment, reinforcing that personal tracking devices can’t be used to violate someone’s privacy or safety and updating legal standards to reflect real-world risks.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Ban Bluetooth Stalking Devices
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
History
- Referred to codes
- Delivered to senate
- Passed assembly
- Ordered to third reading cal.33
- Returned to assembly
- Died in senate
- Referred to codes
- Delivered to senate
- Passed assembly
- Advanced to third reading cal.69
- Reported
- Referred to codes
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
867
2025-2026 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY (Prefiled)
January 8, 2025
Introduced by M. of A. GLICK, EACHUS -- read once and referred to the Committee on Codes
AN ACT to amend the penal law, in relation to including certain use of Bluetooth technology to follow a person in the crime of stalking in the fourth degree
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 120.45 of the penal law, as amended by chapter 184 of the laws of 2014, is amended to read as follows: § 120.45 Stalking in the fourth degree.
A person is guilty of stalking in the fourth degree when [he or she] such person intentionally, and for no legitimate purpose, engages in a course of conduct directed at a specific person, and knows or reasonably should know that such conduct:
1. is likely to cause reasonable fear of material harm to the physical health, safety or property of such person, a member of such person's immediate family or a third party with whom such person is acquainted; or
2. causes material harm to the mental or emotional health of such person, where such conduct consists of following, telephoning or initiating communication or contact with such person, a member of such person's immediate family or a third party with whom such person is acquainted, and the actor was previously clearly informed to cease that conduct; or
3. is likely to cause such person to reasonably fear that [his or her] such person's employment, business or career is threatened, where such conduct consists of appearing, telephoning or initiating communication or contact at such person's place of employment or business, and the actor was previously clearly informed to cease that conduct.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD03028-01-5
For the purposes of subdivision two of this section, "following" shall include the unauthorized tracking of such person's movements or location through the use of a global positioning system, Bluetooth technology, or other device.
Stalking in the fourth degree is a class B misdemeanor.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
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.