S1551

The New York State Senate passed legislation Wednesday that restricts utility companies from sharing customer consumption data with law enforcement without a warrant, while preserving access for state regulators. Senate Print 1551, sponsored by Sen. Parker, passed 53-9 on a roll call vote. The bill requires police to follow standard warrant procedures to obtain utility consumption information during criminal investigations, rather than receiving data directly from utilities. Sen. Parker argued the measure protects constituent privacy while maintaining law enforcement's ability to obtain necessary information through proper legal channels. However, Sen. Martins and eight other senators opposed the bill, contending it creates an inconsistent privacy standard by restricting police access while allowing state regulatory agencies like NYSERDA and the Public Service Commission to access the same data without warrant requirements. Martins characterized the legislation as "another attempt to handcuff law enforcement" rather than genuine privacy protection. The bill was restored to the noncontroversial calendar before the vote.