Bill > S04571

This bill amends the executive law to create a written policy prohibiting police agencies from using "sustained auditory dispersal tools." These are defined as any long-range acoustic devices, sonic weapons, or sound magnifiers that emit sustained tones, beeps, or other non-verbal communication above 90 decibels, which can cause hearing loss or other dangerous effects. The bill allows individuals subjected to these tools in violation of the policy to file a civil lawsuit for damages, including punitive damages, injunctive relief, and attorney's fees. The bill aims to restrict the use of these potentially harmful sound-based crowd control devices by law enforcement.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2023/S4571