New York Police Radio Transparency Act Heads to Hochul — What It Means for Scanners
New York's Police Radio Transparency Act (A11199A/S10079) has passed both houses of the state legislature and is now awaiting Governor Kathy Hochul's signature. If signed, New York would become the first state in the nation to mandate real-time press access to encrypted police radio — a move that could serve as a national template for scanner transparency legislation. As of August 7, 2026, no signature news has surfaced, and the bill's fate remains uncertain.
What the Police Radio Transparency Act Does
The bill, sponsored by Assembly Member Karines Reyes and Senator Michael Gianaris, would require law enforcement agencies that encrypt their radio communications to provide credentialed media with real-time access to channels that do not carry sensitive information. The public would receive time-delayed access to the same channels.
This is a tightened rewrite of a version Governor Hochul vetoed in 2025. The new bill addresses prior concerns about eligibility and operational security.
Who Qualifies for Access
Under the new bill, access eligibility is tied to the State Shield Law:
- News organizations must carry liability insurance to qualify
- Freelance journalists must sell through eligible news outlets
- Bloggers and influencers are explicitly excluded
These restrictions, reported by amNY (June 4, 2026) and Bushwick Daily, aim to balance transparency with accountability by limiting access to professional newsgathering operations.
Key Limitation: NYPD Is Exempt
A critical detail: the state-level Police Radio Transparency Act does not apply to the NYPD. The New York City Police Department falls under Local Law 46, the city-level ordinance that separately requires the department to provide press access to encrypted channels. This means New York could have two parallel transparency regimes — one for state and local law enforcement outside NYC, and another for the NYPD itself.
For a deeper look at how encryption is reshaping radio access nationwide, see our guide: Police Scanner Encryption Explained: What You Can Still Hear in 2026.
Why This Matters for Scanner Listeners
If signed, the Police Radio Transparency Act would be the first state-level law in the United States to force police encryption transparency. That matters because:
- It creates a legislative template other states could follow
- It shows that public pressure can shape police radio policy
- It preserves real-time press access to breaking news events
- It provides time-delayed public access — better than complete blackout
New York's fight mirrors what's happening in counties nationwide. As departments rush to encrypt under the CJIS 2027 deadline, legislation like this offers a path to preserve some level of public access.
What Happens Next
Governor Hochul's decision is the final hurdle. The bill's passage through both houses represents a significant victory for transparency advocates, but the governor's pen is what matters. Her 2025 veto of the earlier version shows the bill faces an uphill battle, though the tightened language in this rewrite may address her prior objections.
For scanner listeners, the outcome determines whether New York becomes a model for balanced encryption policy — or another example of complete radio lockout. A pre-programmed scanner like the Baofeng K5 Plus Tri-Band Police Scanner remains essential for monitoring what's still in the clear, regardless of how the legislative process unfolds.
Hear your county’s traffic — tonight
Every scanner ships pre-programmed to your zip code. Open the box, turn it on, listen.
FAQ
What is the Police Radio Transparency Act?
It's a New York state bill (A11199A/S10079) that would require law enforcement agencies to give credentialed media real-time access to encrypted police radio channels, with time-delayed public access. It passed both houses and awaits Governor Hochul's signature.
Does the bill apply to the NYPD?
No. The NYPD is covered by New York City's Local Law 46, a separate city-level ordinance. The state bill covers law enforcement agencies outside NYC.
Who can get real-time access under this bill?
Credentialed media organizations that carry liability insurance. Freelancers must sell through eligible outlets. Bloggers and influencers are excluded.
Did Governor Hochul veto a similar bill before?
Yes. Hochul vetoed an earlier version of the Police Radio Transparency Act in 2025. The 2026 rewrite addresses prior concerns with tighter eligibility rules.
When will Hochul sign or veto the bill?
As of August 7, 2026, no signature has been announced. The timing depends on the governor's review process.
Could this become a national model?
Yes. No other state has passed a law mandating press access to encrypted police radio. If New York succeeds, it could provide a legislative template for other states facing the same encryption transparency battles.
Bottom Line
New York's Police Radio Transparency Act represents the most significant legislative effort in the country to preserve public access to encrypted police radio. If Governor Hochul signs it, the bill will create a statewide precedent for balancing officer safety with transparency — and give scanner advocates a powerful tool in the fight against complete radio blackout.
Baofeng UV-5R Mini
Our favorite everyday pick — tiny, dual-band, pre-programmed to your zip code.
Baofeng UV-5R (Black)
The classic entry point — reliable dual-band scanning at the best price.
Baofeng UV-5R Plus
More memory, more features — the value pick with extra headroom.
Baofeng K5 Plus Tri-Band
Tri-band coverage and 128 channels for serious listeners.
- ✓ Free US shipping
- ✓ Programmed to your ZIP
- ✓ Lifetime support
- ✓ 30-day returns