Measure to Enact Protections to Prevent the Release of Sportsmen’s Personal Information Passes State Senate

Albany, NY– A bill to further protect sportsmen’s personal information has passed the New York State Senate by a vote of 54 to 4.  The bill, S.2951, would prevent information submitted on hunting, fishing and trapping licenses and permit applications from being disclosed or released outside of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer sponsors the bill in the State Senate.

“At a time of growing concern for identity theft, it is important to strengthen the rights of hunters and trappers to maintain their personal privacy and security.  This bill will ensure that DEC may continue to protect sporting license applicants’ just expectation that personal information will be kept private,” said Ranzenhofer.

Existing law does not contain restrictions on the release of information for holders of licenses and permits.  The bill would also require the DEC to establish procedures to ensure information is protected from disclosure.

DEC recently installed a new database system to maintain information on sporting licenses and permits.  Among the personal details entered into the database include: individual’s first and last name, date of birth, height, eye color, driver’s license number, mailing address, telephone number, and whether the licensee is permanent 40% military disabled.

“Clearly, this information contains intimate details related to personal matters, such as medical conditions and physical attributes.  The release of any of these details would be an unwarranted intrusion into an individual’s privacy.  This bill would diminish the potential for identity theft by enacting further protections for sportsmen,” said Ranzenhofer.

The bill has been sent to the New York State Assembly.  Assemblywoman Aileen M. Gunther has introduced the bill in the State Assembly.  If enacted, the bill would take effect immediately.

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