S365B

The Senate passed legislation amending the General Business Law on a 40-19 vote. Senate Print 365B, sponsored by Sen. Thomas, took effect immediately upon passage. Nineteen senators voted in opposition, including Sens. Ashby, Borrello, Brisport, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Cooney, Gallivan, Griffo, Helming, Mattera, Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Scarcella-Spanton, Stec, Tedisco, Weber and Weik.

The New York Privacy Act passed the Senate on a 44-18 vote, establishing comprehensive consumer data privacy protections for New Yorkers. Sponsored by Sen. Thomas, the legislation grants residents the right to control their personal information online, including rights to notice, opt-out, opt-in for sensitive data like biometric information, data portability, access, correction, and deletion. Sen. Thomas, who said he had worked on the bill for five years through roundtables and negotiations, emphasized that the measure brings New York in line with privacy protections already adopted by other states and the European Union. The bill addresses concerns about widespread data collection and sharing by internet companies, which Thomas said is used to manipulate and direct consumer behavior. Eighteen senators voted against the measure, including Ashby, Borrello, Brisport, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Gallivan, Griffo, Mattera, Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Rolison, Scarcella-Spanton, Stec, Tedisco, Weber, and Weik. The bill takes effect immediately upon signing.