New York Bill A8853 (2023-2024) has been introduced, proposing to prohibit the use of biometric identifying technology in schools [1]. This legislation specifically aims to ban such technology for any reason other than explicitly defined purposes [2]. The bill is presently under consideration by the Assembly Education Committee.

Who does A8853 affect?

Organizations operating in New York State's K-12 education sector are primarily affected, including public and private schools and their technology vendors. This scope extends to deployers of facial recognition and other biometric systems used for identification, access control, or monitoring within school environments. School administrators and IT functions managing student data and campus security systems would need to assess this development.

What is the current status of A8853?

As of the last published update, A8853 is at the "committee" stage, with bill status "In Assembly Committee".

Where can I find the primary source for A8853?

The primary source for the most recent update is at https://legislation.nysenate.gov/bills/2023/A8853. AIGI publishes the full citation chain plus every approved brief on this bill.

NY, US · AI law tracker

A8853 — NY, US

A8853 is an AI governance legislation from NY, currently committee. The bill proposes to prohibit biometric identifying technology in New York schools [1]. AIGI tracks 2 primary-source updates on this bill; the most recent was published on 2024-01-18.

Status & timeline

Regulatory stage: committee
Bill status: In Assembly Committee
Authority / governing body: New York State Senate
Chamber: Assembly
Document type: legislation

Next deadline: No fixed deadline — currently in committee

Subscriber only

Full obligation matrix

Actor	Obligation	Deadline	Source
other	Schools must not use biometric identifying technology for any reason other than specified purposes.	Upon enactment	—

Subscriber only

Enforcement risk score

/ 100

Announced regulation; enforcement footprint still forming.

Subscriber only

Role-based compliance checklist

board_director Monitor the bill's progress through the legislative process. (Ongoing)
compliance_officer Identify any existing biometric identifying technology currently in use within the school system. (Upon potential enactment)
cto Prepare for the technical changes required to discontinue or restrict biometric technology if the bill is enacted. (Upon potential enactment)

Subscriber only

Vendor impact assessment

Vendor risk class: high
Procurement categories: security_tooling, other

Vendors providing security, access control, or other technologies to schools that utilize biometric identification will face significant impact, potentially requiring modifications or discontinuation of services in New York schools if the bill passes.

Sample vendor questions

Does your technology use biometric identifying features?
If so, how does your technology comply with restrictions on biometric use in educational settings?
What are the alternatives or fallback options if biometric features are prohibited?
Can your system be configured to operate without biometric identification in schools?

Intelligence briefs (2)

legislation In Assembly Committee 1/18/2024

NY A8853 Proposes Ban on Biometric Identifying Tech in Schools

The bill proposes to prohibit biometric identifying technology in New York schools [1].

This signals a legislative intent to restrict AI-driven biometric use cases within sensitive environments.

Deadline: No fixed deadline — currently in committee

Primary source →

legislation In Assembly Committee 1/18/2024

NY Bill A8853 Proposes Biometric Technology Ban in Schools

This bill proposes a ban on biometric identifying technology in New York schools, with limited exceptions [2].

This development signals a potential restriction on AI-powered biometric systems for educational institutions, impacting deployer obligations in New York.

Deadline: No fixed deadline — currently in committee review

Primary source →

Frequently asked questions

What is A8853?: New York Bill A8853 (2023-2024) has been introduced, proposing to prohibit the use of biometric identifying technology in schools [1]. This legislation specifically aims to ban such technology for any reason other than explicitly defined purposes [2]. The bill is presently under consideration by the Assembly Education Committee. Primary source →
Why does A8853 matter?: This signals a legislative intent to restrict AI-driven biometric use cases within sensitive environments. Primary source →
Who does A8853 affect?: Organizations operating in New York State's K-12 education sector are primarily affected, including public and private schools and their technology vendors. This scope extends to deployers of facial recognition and other biometric systems used for identification, access control, or monitoring within school environments. School administrators and IT functions managing student data and campus security systems would need to assess this development. Primary source →
What are the key dates for A8853?: No fixed deadline — currently in committee Primary source →
What is the current status of A8853?: As of the last published update, A8853 is at the "committee" stage, with bill status "In Assembly Committee". Primary source →
Where can I find the primary source for A8853?: The primary source for the most recent update is at https://legislation.nysenate.gov/bills/2023/A8853. AIGI publishes the full citation chain plus every approved brief on this bill. Primary source →

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Important — about this brief

This brief is published by AIGI as a regulatory intelligence service. It contains general information about AI laws, regulations, enforcement actions, and policy signals across jurisdictions. It is not legal, compliance, audit, or risk-management advice; it does not establish an attorney-client, advisory, or fiduciary relationship; and it should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional counsel applied to specific facts and circumstances. Where the brief identifies “Issues for Review,” those are observations of questions a reader in a particular role might raise with their own legal, compliance, or risk function — not recommendations to act. AIGI expressly disclaims liability for actions taken or not taken in reliance on this brief. Subscribers in regulated industries should consult licensed professionals authorized to practice in their jurisdiction.

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Status & timeline

Intelligence briefs (2)

NY A8853 Proposes Ban on Biometric Identifying Tech in Schools

NY Bill A8853 Proposes Biometric Technology Ban in Schools

Frequently asked questions

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