New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S10079

Introduced
4/27/26  

Caption

Requires that any law enforcement agency in the state that encrypts any portion of its radio communications shall ensure that all of its radio communications, with the exception of sensitive information, may be monitored in real time by professional journalists, newscasters, and individuals employed by emergency services organizations.

Impact

Should this bill be enacted, it would significantly amend the regulations surrounding law enforcement communication. By ensuring that encrypted communications are only partially exempt from monitoring, it promotes enhanced public oversight of police activities and decision-making processes. Furthermore, it establishes an application process managed by the Department of State and the Division of State Police for media professionals to gain access to these communications, thus formalizing how journalists can monitor police activity.

Summary

Bill S10079, titled the 'Police Radio Transparency Act', aims to enhance the transparency of law enforcement communications across New York State. The bill mandates that any law enforcement agency that encrypts its radio communications must also ensure that all non-sensitive communications are accessible in real-time to professional journalists, newscasters, and personnel employed by emergency services organizations. The act seeks to balance the need for public safety and the right to information, aiming to make police operations more transparent to the media and the public.

Contention

There are aspects of S10079 that may spark debate among various stakeholders. Supporters may view the bill as a necessary step towards accountability and public access to information regarding law enforcement activities. Conversely, opponents might argue that increasing transparency could jeopardize sensitive operations or the safety of officers and evidence handling. The provisions regarding the definition of 'sensitive information' also indicate a specific balance that needs to be considered, potentially leading to differing interpretations of what constitutes sensitive scenarios, thus generating further contention.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NY A11199

Requires that any law enforcement agency in the state that encrypts any portion of its radio communications shall ensure that all of its radio communications, with the exception of sensitive information, may be monitored in real time by professional journalists, newscasters, and individuals employed by emergency services organizations.

NY S00416

Enacts the "keep police radio public act"; ensures that, except for sensitive information, all radio communications are accessible to emergency services organizations and professional journalists.

NY A03516

Enacts the "keep police radio public act"; ensures that, except for sensitive information, all radio communications are accessible to emergency services organizations and professional journalists.

NY S09953

Expands the exemption provided to professional journalists and newscasters from contempt to include employment or association with a web log; defines web log as a website or webpage that contains an online journal containing news, comments and offers hyperlinks provided by the writer.

NY A09555

Provides that unemployment insurance benefits shall not be paid in an amount greater than thirty times the claimant's weekly benefit rate in any benefit year, subject to certain exceptions.

NY S09383

Provides that unemployment insurance benefits shall not be paid in an amount greater than thirty times the claimant's weekly benefit rate in any benefit year, subject to certain exceptions.

NY S09699

Provides that certain communications made without malice regarding an incident of sexual assault, harassment or discrimination shall be deemed privileged; provides that a prevailing defendant in an action brought against such defendant for making a communication that is privileged shall be entitled to attorney's fees and costs for such defense.

NY A10616

Requires all motor vehicle insurers to file annual detailed financial and claim data statements with the superintendent of financial services; provides that all such statements shall be made available to the public.

NY A10789

Requires that each appointment to an office by the governor by and with the advice and consent of the senate shall be voted on individually by the senate; provides that nominations may not be considered, confirmed or rejected as a slate or group; requires that all votes be conducted with a roll call vote with each senator's vote noted on the record.

NY S09150

Requires that each appointment to an office by the governor by and with the advice and consent of the senate shall be voted on individually by the senate; provides that nominations may not be considered, confirmed or rejected as a slate or group; requires that all votes be conducted with a roll call vote with each senator's vote noted on the record.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.