Bill > S06196

This bill modifies existing public officers law regarding residency requirements for police officers, establishing new rules that will take effect in stages. Currently, police officers can live in counties adjacent to their jurisdiction, but beginning January 1, 2026, the law will require police officers to reside specifically within the political subdivision or municipal corporation where they work for at least one year prior to appointment and continue residing there. The bill applies to police forces across the state, with special provisions for cities with populations over one million (like New York City). By January 1, 2027, the residency requirements will be strictly enforced, meaning police officers will no longer be able to live in neighboring counties but must reside directly within the jurisdiction of their police force. This change aims to ensure that police officers have a direct, vested interest in the communities they serve by requiring them to be local residents. The bill updates language to be gender-neutral, replacing gendered pronouns like "he" and "his" with "they" and "their".

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6196