S3519

The New York State Senate passed Senate Print 3519, sponsored by Sen. Scarcella-Spanton, by a vote of 60-0 on Calendar Number 612. The bill amends the Penal Law to address technology-assisted stalking by expanding the definition of "following" in stalking statutes to include the use of devices or computers to track a person's location without consent. Sen. Scarcella-Spanton explained that the legislation closes legal loopholes exploited by predators using Apple Tags and similar location-tracking technology. She argued that victims currently have no recourse and that the bill ensures technology-enabled stalking is treated with the same seriousness as traditional stalking. The measure takes effect immediately upon enactment.

The New York State Senate unanimously passed legislation to modernize the state's stalking laws, voting 57-0 on Senate Print 3519 (Calendar No. 679). Sponsor Sen. Scarcella-Spanton said the bill addresses a growing threat posed by technology-enabled harassment, updating the definition of fourth-degree stalking to explicitly cover digital surveillance methods. She detailed how predators currently exploit legal loopholes by using GPS devices, cellphones, apps and other technologies to track victims' movements or monitor their property without consent. Scarcella-Spanton noted that until now, no clear legal protections existed to stop such behavior and many perpetrators have faced no consequences. The legislation reaffirms the state's commitment to protecting New Yorkers' privacy, safety and peace of mind by making clear that technology-based stalking is as serious and damaging as traditional harassment. The bill takes effect immediately.