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Bill

A 8295

Relates to automated decision-making by government agencies

2025 Regular Session Introduced by William Colton and 13 co-sponsors

Regulates state/local government use of automated decision systems, requiring transparency, human review, impact assessments, audits, and accountable contracting.

SUBSTITUTED BY S7599C
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Bill Summary · A 8295

Summary — A.8295 (Relates to automated decision‑making by government agencies)

Status snapshot
- Bill number: A.8295
- Title: Relates to automated decision‑making by government agencies
- Introduced: May 12, 2025
- Current status: SUBSTITUTED BY S7599C (substitution occurred 2025‑06‑16)
- Legislative actions: Referred to Science & Technology (5/12/2025); multiple amendments and reprints (A8295A–D); reported and referred to Rules; ordered to third reading; substituted by Senate companion S7599C (6/16/2025).
- Sponsors: Steven Otis (primary) with multiple cosponsors including Angelo Santabarbara, Sarahana Shrestha, MaryJane Shimsky, Jo Anne Simon, Amy Paulin, and others.
- Companion bill: S.7599 (Senate) — S7599C is the substituting vehicle.

Purpose and intent
- The bill is intended to regulate state and local government use of automated decision‑making (ADM) systems — commonly understood as algorithmic, machine learning, or other automated processes that make or assist in decisions affecting the public — to promote transparency, accountability, fairness, and due process.

Key provisions (summary of likely/typical elements in bills of this type)
Note: The legislative metadata supplied does not include the bill’s full text. The items below summarize common, substantive provisions found in New York and other U.S. bills addressing government ADM and are likely reflected in A.8295 or its substitute S.7599C. For exact, authoritative language consult the bill text.

  • Definitions: Establishes what constitutes an “automated decision system” (e.g., algorithms, models, prediction tools, automated profiling).
  • Inventory/Registry: Requires agencies to maintain and publish a public inventory or registry of ADM systems they use or procure.
  • Algorithmic Impact Assessments (AIA): Mandates pre‑deployment assessments describing purpose, data sources, potential impacts (including disparate impact/bias), and mitigation plans — particularly for high‑risk uses (benefits eligibility, licensing, public safety, employment, housing).
  • Transparency & Notice: Requires agencies to notify individuals when an ADM system materially affects them, and provide an explanation of how the decision was made, including meaningful information about logic, data, and factors used.
  • Human Oversight & Appeals: Requires human review options and accessible appeal procedures for decisions made or influenced by ADM.
  • Testing & Auditing: Requires bias testing, accuracy validation, third‑party or independent audits, and periodic re‑assessments.
  • Procurement & Contracting Controls: Imposes requirements on contracts and vendors (e.g., data access for audits, compliance clauses, bans or restrictions on procurement for certain high‑risk systems).
  • Data Protection & Retention: Sets standards for data minimization, retention, security, and limits on using sensitive attributes (race, religion, health) in decision processes.
  • Enforcement & Remedies: Designates enforcement authority (e.g., Attorney General, state agency), reporting requirements, and possible remedies or penalties for noncompliance.

Who would be affected
- State and local government agencies that develop, procure, or use ADM systems.
- Vendors and contractors supplying ADM technologies to government.
- New Yorkers whose eligibility, benefits, enforcement, licensing, employment, housing, or other government‑related determinations are directly affected by ADM.
- Oversight bodies (e.g., science & technology units, privacy officers, auditors).

Potential impacts
- Increased transparency and citizen protections (notice, explanation, appeals).
- Administrative compliance costs for agencies and vendors (assessments, audits, reporting).
- Changes to procurement practices and vendor contracts.
- Potential reduction or modification of high‑risk ADM uses pending assessment/mitigation.
- Greater accountability and avenues for remedy when automated systems cause harm or bias.

Procedural/timeline notes
- A.8295 advanced rapidly through committee (Science & Technology), was amended multiple times and reprinted (A8295A–D), reported to Rules and ordered to third reading. On June 16, 2025, it was substituted by the Senate companion (S7599C). Because A.8295 was substituted, S7599C now likely carries the operative language; consult S7599C for the enacted or pending provisions.

Where to read the bill
- For the authoritative text and legislative history, view A.8295 and S.7599C on the New York State Assembly and Senate websites or the Legislature’s bill tracking portal.

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

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