Privacy of communications of individuals in the custody of the department of correction.
Introduced
Moved
Reached a final decision
Introduced Jan 29, 2026
Derived from the official record below.
Officially: “A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the privacy of communications of individuals in the custody of the department of correction” Read the full text
Criminal Justice
What it does
This bill would prohibit the Department of Correction (“DOC”) from recording voice communications or electronic communications, such as text messages and emails, made by or to individuals in DOC custody, except pursuant to a warrant or with the express consent of one party to such communication. This bill would also prohibit DOC from collecting or purchasing location data of individuals initiating or receiving voice or electronic communications from individuals in DOC custody. This bill would also prohibit DOC from collecting or purchasing biometric voice information, such as voiceprints, from individuals in DOC custody or individuals initiating or receiving voice or electronic communications from individuals in DOC custody. Finally, this bill would create a private right of action for anyone whose voice or electronic communications were unlawfully recorded, monitored, or otherwise surveilled or whose location data or biometric voice information was unlawfully collected, retained, or disclosed.
Summary written by City Council staff, from the official record. Plain-language AI rewrite with cited sections coming. Not legal advice.
Where it is
Introduced by Council · Jan 29, 2026
Referred to Comm by Council · Jan 29, 2026
Who decides next
This bill sits with the Criminal Justice committee. These members decide whether it ever reaches a vote; 99% of bills a committee approves become law.
Selvena N. Brooks-Powers · chairFrank MoranoGale A. BrewerMercedes NarcisseOswald J. FelizTiffany L. CabánYusef Salaam
Official documents
Summary of Int. No. 96
officialInt. No. 96
officialJanuary 29, 2026 - Stated Meeting Agenda
officialHearing Transcript - Stated Meeting 1-29-26
officialStraight from the Council record: fiscal impact statements, committee reports, and hearing transcripts as filed.
The numbers
8
sponsors on the bill
Sponsors
Gale A. BrewerShekar KrishnanSandy NurseYusef SalaamFarah N. LouisCrystal HudsonSelvena N. Brooks-PowersHarvey D. Epstein
Who is lobbying on this
Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, Inc.via Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, Inc. · Public, Community Interest & Not-for-profit Organization
3 filingsBrooklyn Defender Servicesvia Brooklyn Defender Services · Law
2 filingsFrom 5 City Clerk eLobbyist filings naming this bill (2026). Filings are self-reported by lobbying firms and show who is paid to influence this bill. They do not say which side, or whether it worked.
Every fact on this page links to its source, starting with the official bill record. Last action: Referred to Comm by Council (Jan 29, 2026).