New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A04678

Introduced
2/4/25  

Caption

Prohibits recording of the entrance or exit of a school ground or the entrance or exit to a property that contains school grounds within its boundaries.

Impact

If enacted, A04678 would specifically amend Section 240.26 of the penal law to introduce provisions that classify the act of recording school entrances and exits as second-degree harassment. This change would provide legal grounds for prohibiting such actions and potentially subject violators to liability under harassment laws, emphasizing the protection of individuals in school environments from unwanted scrutiny and harassment.

Summary

Bill A04678 proposes amendments to the penal law that prohibits the recording of entrances and exits to school grounds, as well as properties that contain school grounds. The intent of the bill is to enhance the safety and privacy of students, staff, and visitors by preventing unauthorized recording and surveillance activities that could be considered intrusive or threatening. This legislative initiative emerges from ongoing concerns about school safety and the potential misuse of recorded material for harmful intents.

Contention

Debates surrounding Bill A04678 are likely to revolve around the balance between protecting individual privacy and the implications for freedom of expression regarding public spaces. Supporters of the bill argue that it is essential to protect the safety of minors and maintain a secure educational environment. However, opponents may raise concerns about the limitations this places on legitimate documentation, reporting activities, or parental oversight, suggesting a careful examination of the contexts in which recording might occur harmlessly or even beneficially.

Companion Bills

NY S01694

Same As Prohibits recording of the entrance or exit of a school ground or the entrance or exit to a property that contains school grounds within its boundaries.

Previously Filed As

NY S08422

Prohibits recording of the entrance or exit of a school ground or the entrance or exit to a property that contains school grounds within its boundaries.

NY A09390

Prohibits recording of the entrance or exit of a school ground or the entrance or exit to a property that contains school grounds within its boundaries.

NY S01553

Requires that entrances to public and nonpublic schools be locked at all times during the school day.

NY S02936

Prohibits certain sex offenders from residing within 1,350 feet of school grounds, except that in cities having a population of one million or more, no such sex offender may reside within 500 feet of school grounds; establishes a violation thereof shall be a class C felony.

NY S07401

Prohibits the housing of migrants in schoolhouses or on such grounds in the New York City community school district system.

NY S01638

Prohibits level 2 and 3 sex offenders from residing within 1,500 feet of their victim or school grounds; prohibits such offenders from attending or participating in school sponsored activities.

NY A09953

Prohibits level 2 and 3 sex offenders from residing within 1,500 feet of their victim or school grounds; prohibits such offenders from attending or participating in school sponsored activities.

NY A00690

Requires video cameras to be placed on the entrances/exits of all facilities run by the office for people with developmental disabilities.

NY S07959

Requires video cameras to be placed on the entrances/exits of all facilities run by the office for people with developmental disabilities.

NY A08050

Classifies possession of firearms on school grounds or municipal park property as a class B felony.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.