A 11199 New York Assembly · 2025 Regular Session

Enacts the "police radio transparency act"

Summary

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.

Issues: ✓ Criminal Justice

Bill status passed both 4 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

May 2026

Committee Review

Jun 2026

Assembly Passage

Jun 2026

Senate Passage

Jun 2026

Governor

Introduced May 1, 2026 Last action Jun 4, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

A11199 → A11199A · 3 edits

MINOR

This amendment adds a new definition for 'Newsgathering organization' and significantly changes how individuals can access encrypted police radio communications. It now requires applicants to prove they work for an organization that carries libel insurance, shifting the focus from individual employment to organizational accreditation.

Scope change

The bill's scope regarding who can access encrypted police radio communications was narrowed; eligibility now depends on working for a specific type of accredited news organization rather than just being employed by an emergency services organization.

DEFINITION

Added a new definition for 'Newsgathering organization' that requires the entity to gather news via various media and hold a libel insurance policy.

ELIGIBILITY

Changed the eligibility process for monitoring encrypted police radio from a general request to a formal application requiring proof of employment by an accredited newsgathering organization.

REQUIREMENT

Added a specific requirement that the department must only approve applications from journalists or newscasters who work for an organization covered by a libel insurance policy.

Floor votes · Senate Jun 4, 2026 · Assembly Jun 3, 2026

How they voted

37–23

Passed · 3 other

Total votes 63

Jun 4, 2026

D Democratic41

37 Yea 1 Nay 3

90% Yea

R Republican22

22 Nay

100% Nay

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Jun 4, 2026

Upper · Passed

PASSED SENATE

upper

Jun 3, 2026

Committee

REFERRED TO RULES

upper

Jun 3, 2026

Lower · Passed

PASSED ASSEMBLY

lower

Jun 2, 2026

Committee

REPORTED REFERRED TO RULES

lower

Jun 1, 2026

Committee

REFERENCE CHANGED TO WAYS AND MEANS

lower

May 14, 2026

Lower · Passed

PRINT NUMBER 11199A

lower

May 14, 2026

Lower · Passed

AMEND AND RECOMMIT TO GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS

lower

May 1, 2026

Committee

REFERRED TO GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS

lower

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors