New York Assembly Bill A08173

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/5/25
• Refer: 5/5/25

Caption

Requires municipalities and other public officials to retain security recordings for a minimum of fifteen months.

Impact

The implementation of A08173 is expected to significantly influence state laws regarding the management of security footage. By establishing clear retention timelines, the bill aims to prevent the premature destruction of potentially valuable evidence that could be vital in legal proceedings or investigations. Local governments will need to adapt their record-keeping practices to ensure compliance, potentially incurring costs associated with storage and management of the data. This change could also promote a culture of transparency and trust between the public and local authorities.

Summary

Bill A08173, known as the 'Safekeeping and Access to Video Evidence (SAVE) Act', mandates local governments in New York State to retain public security camera recordings for a minimum of fifteen months. This requirement applies to recordings made in public spaces such as streets, parks, and government buildings, as well as to recordings of interactions between law enforcement officials and the public. The intention behind this legislation is to enhance public safety and accountability by ensuring that crucial video evidence is preserved for sufficient periods, thus supporting legal processes and community trust in governmental operations.

Contention

Despite the potential benefits, the SAVE Act may face opposition on several fronts. Critics could argue that mandatory retention periods might lead to privacy concerns, as prolonged storage of video footage could result in unauthorized access or misuse of sensitive information. Furthermore, local governments may contend that the financial burden of maintaining extensive archives could strain their budgets, particularly in smaller municipalities. Balancing public safety interests with individual privacy rights and local fiscal capabilities will be critical points of contention as the bill progresses.