S2078B

Senate Print 2078B, sponsored by Sen. Kavanagh and relating to amendments to the Multiple Dwelling Law, was laid aside during floor consideration on Calendar Number 1016. No debate or vote occurred on the measure.

The New York State Senate passed legislation (S2078B) requiring landlords who implement smart access systems to provide free keys to tenants and lawful occupants, with a 40-21 vote along largely party lines. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Kavanagh, amends both the Multiple Dwelling Law for New York City and the Multiple Residence Law for the rest of the state. Under the measure, landlords who voluntarily adopt electronic or digital access systems—including key fobs, digital keys, and mobile phone applications—must provide one key per lawful occupant plus up to four additional guest keys per unit at no cost. The bill includes a three-year moratorium on biometric identifier systems such as facial recognition, fingerprints, and voice recognition, though existing systems may continue. Data used to track entry and exit must be deleted or anonymized after 90 days. During floor debate, Sen. Helming raised concerns about ambiguous language that could require landlords to provide unlimited free keys to employees and questioned whether the biometric restrictions would deprive tenants of valued security features. Sen. Kavanagh clarified that the bill applies only to landlords who choose to implement smart systems and that the four-key limit applies per unit. The bill takes effect 180 days after becoming law.