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Bill

A 159

Allows police vehicles to have one or more forward facing blue lights

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Angelino and 6 co-sponsors

Authorizes forward-facing blue lights on New York police vehicles to boost visibility and safety during stops and emergencies, affecting agencies and drivers.

REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 159

Summary of Assembly Bill A 159

Overview

  • Bill Number: A 159
  • Title: Allows police vehicles to have one or more forward facing blue lights
  • Status: REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION
  • Introduced: January 8, 2025
  • Classification: bill
  • Jurisdiction: New York Assembly (A-series bill)

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill authorizes police vehicles to display one or more forward-facing blue lights. The core aim is to enhance the visibility of police units during enforcement and emergency operations, potentially improving safety for officers and the public.

Key Provisions

  • Amends existing law to permit one or more forward-facing blue lights on police vehicles.
  • Specifies blue lights as an authorized color for forward-facing use on police vehicles.
  • The available summary does not provide additional technical specifications (e.g., placement, intensity, or operational controls); those details, if included in the full text, would govern implementation.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Law enforcement agencies and police departments in New York would be authorized to install and operate forward-facing blue lights on police vehicles.
  • Emergency vehicle equipment suppliers and manufacturers may see changes in required standards or demand for forward-facing blue-light components.
  • The general public and motorists could experience changes in how police presence is signaled from the front of vehicles.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced and immediately referred to the Transportation Committee on January 8, 2025.
  • The listing shows the same action repeated (two identical entries for “REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION” on the same date), which likely reflects the standard committee referral process in the bill’s initial stage.
  • Related policy work may occur in committee consideration, potential amendments, and future floor action.

Sponsors

  • Primary: Joe Angelino
  • Cosponsors: Scott H. Bendett, John Lemondes, Angelo J. Morinello, Karl Brabenec, David McDonough, Brian D. Miller

Related Bills (prior session)

  • A 6228 (prior-session)
  • A 2407 (prior-session)
  • These related bills suggest a continuing legislative interest in governing police vehicle lighting.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Public safety: Potentially improved officer visibility and roadside safety during traffic stops and pursuits.
  • Compliance: May require updates to existing vehicle lighting standards and equipment regulations.
  • Operational detail: Full text would clarify any limits on when forward-facing blue lights may be used, along with any restrictions or interoperability with other emergency lighting.
  • Oversight: Pending committee review and potential amendments before any floor vote.

This summary captures the essential elements available from the provided bill information. For a complete understanding, reviewing the full text and any committee memos or fiscal notes would be helpful once they are released.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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