Relates to audio-visual coverage of judicial proceedings; allows the judge or justice presiding over a proceeding to exercise discretion to prohibit filming or photographing of particular participants; pertains to permitted equipment and personnel.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A712A
SPONSOR: Weprin TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the judiciary law, in relation to audio-visual coverage
of judicial proceedings; and to repeal section 218 of the judiciary law
and section 52 of the civil rights law relating thereto
PURPOSE:
Provides for audio-visual recordings in judicial proceedings; repealer.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 repeals Section 218 of the Judiciary law and adds a new
Section 218 that provides for audio-visual recordings in judicial
proceedings. Details requirements for equipment and personnel including
type, location, and movement, provisions for livestreaming, and sound
and light criteria, and when limitations on audio-visual coverage are
permitted.
Section 2 repeals section 52 of the civil rights law.
Section 3 amends section 5 of 751.
Section 4 is the effective date.
JUSTIFICATION:
The public has the right to observe judicial proceedings. This legis-
lation to permit audio-visual coverage of judicial proceedings will
increase court accessibility while permitting reasonable restrictions
considerate to the needs of witnesses.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
S.5039 of 2019-2020 (Hoylman): Died in Judiciary
A.4216 of 2019-2020 (Weprin): Died in Judiciary
A.4934 of 2017-2018 (Weprin): Died in Judiciary
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have
become law
