New York Assembly Committee Passes Bill Allowing People to Opt Out of Smart Meters; Undermine Federal Program ALBANY, N.Y. (May 27, 2016) – A second New York Assembly committee has passed a bill that would allow customers to opt out of installing “smart meter” technology on their homes and businesses. Final passage of this bill would allow New Yorkers to protect their own privacy, and it would take a step toward blocking a federal program in effect.