Requires the metropolitan transportation authority to install and reasonably maintain proper operation of surveillance cameras in areas frequented by passengers at all subway stations.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A7016B
SPONSOR: Bichotte Hermelyn TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to requiring the
metropolitan transportation authority to install surveillance cameras at
subway platforms
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This bill will mandate the MTA to have surveillance cameras on all
subway platforms.
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 establishes this act shall be known and may be cited as
"Sedrick's law."
Section 2 ensures that the MTA will install and operate surveillance
cameras at all MTA subway stations.
Section 3 is the effective date.
JUSTIFICATION:
Towards the end of 2019 a 36-year-old victim by the name of Sedrick
Simon was struck by a Manhattan-bound Q train at the Newkirk Avenue
station near East 16th Street in Brooklyn at approximately 7 a.m. It
remains unclear to officials how this incident occurred, whether it was
forceful, accidental or intentional. Providing surveillance cameras on
all train platforms, where there is less visibility (out of the site of
flowing traffic near turnstiles) and a greater chance of fatal impact,
would be useful not only as a deterrent, but as source of information
for law enforcement when trying to identify a series of events. Although
this was during the day, the MTA subways system for the most part runs
around the clock. Considering that traffic is greatly reduced during
off-hours, residents still require this mode of transportation for work.
Surveillance cameras on subway platform would provide an added layer of
safety.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2019-20: A10071A, corporations, authorities and commissions
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after it
shall have become law.
