Bill > A01809

This bill requires law enforcement agencies in New York, which include police departments, sheriff's departments, and other agencies with police forces, to store all physical or other evidence in fireproof containers or fireproof storage areas located within state-of-the-art facilities that use modern and advanced technology. Before storing the evidence, these agencies must thoroughly document and photograph each piece of evidence, and then store those photographs and documentation in a separate location from the physical evidence. This requirement aims to ensure the preservation and protection of evidentiary materials by safeguarding them against potential damage from fire and by creating a redundant record-keeping system that maintains documentation independent of the physical evidence itself. The bill defines a law enforcement agency broadly to include various types of police and law enforcement organizations at both the state and local levels, and it will take effect immediately upon passage.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1809