S3519
An act to amend the Penal Law — 2025-05-13 · Calendar #679
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.
PASSED
Ayes: 57
· Nays: N/A
Debate Summary
Sen. Scarcella-Spanton, the bill sponsor, explained that the legislation updates New York's stalking laws to address digital-age harassment methods. She detailed how predators exploit legal loopholes using GPS devices, cellphones, apps and other technologies to track victims without consent. The bill clarifies that technology-enabled stalking is as serious as traditional harassment and closes gaps that have allowed perpetrators to avoid consequences.