New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A06555

Introduced
3/6/25  
Refer
3/6/25  
Report Pass
5/20/25  

Caption

Requires the state to keep state lottery winners' identities anonymous to the general public if requested by the lottery winner.

Impact

Should A06555 be enacted, it would fundamentally alter how the New York State Lottery operates in terms of winner privacy. The bill mandates that winners, upon notifying the lottery division, can keep their identities confidential. This decision reflects a shift in legislative priorities toward consumer protection and personal privacy rights. The immediate effect would likely bolster public support for participating in the lottery, knowing that personal information would not be exposed unless voluntarily disclosed.

Summary

Bill A06555 introduces a significant amendment to New York's tax law regarding the state's treatment of lottery winners' identities. The primary objective of the bill is to allow winning ticket holders to request anonymity, thus preventing the public disclosure of their personal information such as names and addresses. This measure is aimed at addressing growing concerns regarding privacy and safety among lottery winners, as public knowledge of their identities can lead to unwanted attention and potential risks.

Conclusion

Overall, A06555 represents a significant legislative response to the concerns about privacy among lottery participants. By establishing the right for anonymity, the bill acknowledges the evolving expectations around personal data protection in society. As discussions continue, the implications of this bill will likely prompt further evaluation of privacy norms in other state-managed programs, potentially setting a precedent for future legislation.

Contention

The potential for contention surrounding A06555 lies in contrasting views about transparency versus privacy. Proponents may argue that disclosing winners' identities serves to promote public trust in the lottery system, providing assurances that the game is fair and regulated. On the other hand, advocates for privacy will highlight the risks faced by winners, such as harassment or financial exploitation. This debate encapsulates a broader conversation on the balance between public interest and individual rights, especially in the context of government-managed programs.

Companion Bills

NY S02613

Same As Requires the state to keep state lottery winners' identities anonymous to the general public unless the lottery winner gives their consent.

Previously Filed As

NY S01807

Requires the state to keep state lottery winners' identities anonymous to the general public unless the lottery winner gives their consent.

NY A09551

Permits state lottery winners to remain anonymous to the general public.

NY A00838

Creates a task force on affordable housing lotteries to review the affordable housing lotteries within New York state and determine the lotteries' effectiveness and recommend how the lotteries could be improved.

NY A02827

Requires unclaimed lottery prizes to be paid into the state treasury, to the credit of the state lottery fund.

NY A03468

Requires lottery sales agents to return previously purchased lottery tickets to the persons submitting them to such agents for verification of prizes won or lost; requires lottery ticket dispensing machines used for verifying if a ticket is a winner or not to return the ticket submitted for verification.

NY A03467

Requires the installation and maintenance of lockout devices on lottery vending machines by licensed lottery sales agents to prevent use by minors.

NY A02678

Permits a potential lottery winner who lost their ticket to claim the winning amount provided that such person shows the lottery agency documentary proof of purchase of the winning ticket within one year of the winning date.

NY S04726

Permits a potential lottery winner who lost their ticket to claim the winning amount provided that such person shows the lottery agency documentary proof of purchase of the winning ticket within one year of the winning date.

NY A03522

Relates to regulations implementing video lottery gaming in this state.

NY S08185

Authorizes interactive gaming and interactive lottery gaming in the state of New York.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.