NY A10871

Authorizes licensees, agents, and employees to use biometric identity verification devices (fingerprint, iris, facial image, or other biometric scans) to verify age and identity for purchases of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products as an alternative to or in addition to written identification.

Requires denial of alcoholic beverage purchases when biometric verification indicates the buyer is under 21 years old, and denial of tobacco product purchases when biometric verification indicates the buyer is under 18 years old.

Establishes biometric identity verification device definition as a commercial device that electronically scans biometrics and references authenticated records that have been verified through electronic authentication and knowledge-based processes.

Limits recorded information from biometric verification to name, date of birth, driver's license or non-driver identification number, and expiration date; prohibits resale or dissemination of this information except by court-ordered subpoena.

Provides affirmative defense for licensees who use biometric devices or transaction scans in reasonable reliance, and requires joint rulemaking by applicable state agencies (liquor authority, health commissioner, motor vehicles commissioner) to govern device quality control and record maintenance.

Takes effect 90 days after becoming law.