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Bill

A 8232

Expands the use of body scanners to facilities operated by the office of mental health, the office for people with developmental disabilities and the office of children and family services

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Amy Paulin

Expands body scanner use to NY OMH, OPWDD, and OCFS facilities to strengthen security for staff, clients, and visitors.

REFERRED TO HEALTH
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 8232

Summary: Assembly Bill A 8232

Overview

Bill A 8232, introduced on May 5, 2025, seeks to expand the use of body scanners to facilities operated by three New York state offices: the Office of Mental Health (OMH), the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), and the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). The measure is currently referred to the Health Committee. The primary sponsor is Assemblymember Amy Paulin. A companion Senate bill exists: S 8054.

What the bill would do

  • Expand the use of body scanners to facilities operated by OMH, OPWDD, and OCFS.
  • The bill does not specify the exact contexts or populations to be scanned, but “facilities” suggests entry or security screening at sites managed by these agencies.

Agencies and groups affected

  • State agencies: OMH, OPWDD, and OCFS would implement or oversee the expanded use of body scanners in their facilities.
  • Facility users and staff: Individuals who access these facilities (patients, residents, clients, family members, visitors, and employees) could be subject to scanning as part of security protocols.
  • Potential ancillary impacts: Security operations, privacy protections, and any associated costs (equipment, maintenance, and staff training) within the affected agencies.

Legislative status and procedural timeline

  • Introduced: May 5, 2025.
  • Latest action: Referred to Health (on May 5, 2025) — the bill is moving through the committee process to consider health-related implications, standards, and oversight.
  • Related/companion: S 8054 (companion bill in the Senate), indicating cross-chamber interest in similar security enhancements.

Key provisions and considerations (based on available information)

  • Purpose: Permit or require expanded deployment of body scanners at the specified agency facilities to enhance security.
  • Scope: Applies to facilities operated by OMH, OPWDD, and OCFS.
  • Details not provided in the summary: Specific scanner technology (full-body vs. other screening modalities), data/privacy safeguards, retention policies, staff training requirements, cost allocations, oversight mechanisms, or exemptions. These would likely be addressed in committee discussions or subsequent amendments.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Security and safety: Could strengthen screening at sensitive state facilities, potentially reducing threats and improving safety for staff, clients, and visitors.
  • Privacy and civil liberties: Expansion of scanning raises privacy considerations; expected to involve accompanying policies on when scanning occurs, data handling, and access controls.
  • Budget and operations: Implementation may require funding for equipment, maintenance, and personnel training; ongoing costs would be a consideration for the agencies.
  • Legislative trajectory: As a Health Committee referral, the bill will be evaluated for health-related implications and could proceed to further committee review, floor votes, and potential passage or amendment.

Next steps for readers

  • Monitor Health Committee actions for amendments, hearings, and potential passage.
  • Review the companion Senate bill S 8054 for parallel provisions and potential differences.
  • Pay attention to any agency-specific policy proposals or cost analyses released during committee consideration.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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