S158B

The New York State Senate passed S158B, a bill amending the General Business Law to establish healthcare privacy protections, by a vote of 61-1 on Tuesday. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Krueger, would establish what she characterized as likely the first law in the country protecting individuals' right to privacy for healthcare-related activity and participation with doctors in legally provided medical services. The bill would limit private corporations' ability to track individuals based on medical care usage, appointment scheduling via internet, or health indicators such as pregnancy. Sen. Krueger, explaining her affirmative vote, emphasized the legislation's importance amid expanding technology and ubiquitous corporate data collection, particularly as some states attempt to restrict access to fundamental healthcare. She noted she has been working with legislators in multiple states and attorneys general to advance similar privacy protections. Only Sen. Walczyk voted against the measure. The bill takes effect July 1, 2024.