Bill > S06935

This bill prohibits municipalities from transferring the primary investigation of serious vehicle collisions to non-law enforcement agencies. Specifically, the bill amends the vehicle and traffic law to mandate that when a motor vehicle, electric-assist bicycle, or electric scooter accident results in serious physical injury or death, and is either discovered by or reported to a police officer within five days, the police must conduct the investigation. The key change is preventing local governments from shifting the responsibility of investigating these serious accidents away from law enforcement to other types of agencies. By ensuring that trained police officers remain the primary investigators in such incidents, the bill aims to maintain a consistent and professional approach to documenting and analyzing serious vehicular accidents. The bill is set to take effect simultaneously with another related law (Chapter 196 of the laws of 2024), ensuring a coordinated implementation of the new requirement.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6935