WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

A 6146

Gives phone customers the ability to block the reception of messages they may find obscene

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe DeStefano and 3 co-sponsors

Gives New York phone customers the option to block obscene messages by requiring providers to offer a blocking tool, reducing unwanted texts.

REFERRED TO CORPORATIONS, AUTHORITIES AND COMMISSIONS
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 6146

Summary of Assembly Bill A-6146

Overview

A-6146 is a New York State Assembly bill introduced to empower phone customers to block the reception of messages they may deem obscene. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions for consideration.

  • Bill Number: A 6146
  • Title: Gives phone customers the ability to block the reception of messages they may find obscene
  • Introduced: November 30, 2025
  • Current Status: Referred to Corporations, Authorities and Commissions
  • Sponsors:
    • John Lemondes (primary)
    • Joe DeStefano (cosponsor)
    • Josh Jensen (cosponsor)
    • Stephen Hawley (cosponsor)
  • Related Bills (prior sessions): A 7152, A 6330, A 6375, A 5503, A 4389, A 5874, A 4474, A 3674, A 7214

Note: Legislative actions listed show a filing event on 2025-02-26, which precedes the introduced date of November 30, 2025. This indicates a potential clerical inconsistency in the provided record; the formal referral is noted, but exact timing on the bill’s progression may require confirmation from the official legislative docket.

Purpose and Intent

The core aim of A-6146 is to give consumers the ability to block obscene messages. In essence, the bill would require or authorize telecommunications providers to enable customers to prevent reception of messages classified as obscene, thereby reducing unwanted or harmful communications.

Key Provisions (as described in the available information)

  • Obligation or authorization for mobile/phone service providers to offer a blocking mechanism for obscene messages.
  • Mechanism would enable a consumer to opt into blocking certain messages or to apply blocking to messages from certain senders or types of content.
  • The definition of what constitutes “obscene” content and the scope of blocking (e.g., SMS, MMS, and other messaging channels) would be specified in the bill’s text.
  • Safeguards and limitations likely to be included to avoid blocking legitimate communications (e.g., emergency or official messages), though specific provisions are not detailed in the available summary.
  • Enforcement and penalties, if any, would be addressed in the bill and its accompanying regulations.

Affected Parties

  • Primary: Individual phone customers who receive text or multimedia messages.
  • Secondary: Telecommunications carriers and service providers operating in New York State, who would implement or support the blocking tool.
  • Other Stakeholders: Potentially content senders and platform providers affected by blocking rules; regulators overseeing consumer protection and communications.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The bill has been introduced and referred to the Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions.
  • Referred actions listed for February 26, 2025, appear inconsistent with the November 30, 2025 introduction date; contemporary docketing should be consulted for accurate scheduling and next steps (e.g., committee hearings, amendments, floor votes).

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • Consumer Protection: Could reduce exposure to obscene messages for individuals who opt in to blocking.
  • Technical/Operational: May require carriers to implement blocking features, potentially involving system updates, customer education, and support infrastructure.
  • Cost Considerations: Potential costs borne by providers to deploy and maintain the blocking capability, which could influence pricing or service terms.
  • Free Speech and Privacy: Policy design would need to balance blocking with rights to receive communications and prevent overbroad blocking.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize particular stakeholders (e.g., consumer advocates, small telecom providers) or compare A-6146 to the related prior-session bills listed.

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

Sign in to ask a question.