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A 8054

Requires police officer training programs on interacting with individuals who are a part of a sexual orientation and/or gender minority

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Steven Raga and 1 co-sponsor

Requires police training programs to include instruction on interacting with individuals who identify as part of a sexual orientation and/or gender minority.

REPORTED REFERRED TO WAYS AND MEANS
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Bill Summary · A 8054

Summary of New York Assembly Bill A 8054

Overview

  • Bill Number: A 8054
  • Title: Requires police officer training programs on interacting with individuals who are a part of a sexual orientation and/or gender minority
  • Sponsor: Steven Raga (primary); Karines Reyes (cosponsor)
  • Status: REPORTED REFERRED TO WAYS AND MEANS
  • Introduced: April 22, 2025
  • Current legislative track: The bill was initially referred to the Codes committee on April 22, 2025. It has since been referenced again and is now positioned for consideration by the Ways and Means committee, as indicated by the June 5, 2025 actions.

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill seeks to ensure police officer training programs include instruction on interacting with individuals who identify as part of a sexual orientation and/or gender minority (SOGI). The central aim is to improve interactions between law enforcement and LGBTQ+ individuals, promoting respectful communication, non-discrimination, and awareness of diverse identities.

Key Provisions (As Described)

  • The provided information confirms only the overarching requirement for training related to SOGI interactions. The specific details of the provisions (such as required training content, duration, frequency, trainer qualification, certification, evaluation, and enforcement mechanisms) are not included in the summary you provided.
  • As the bill progresses, typical detail areas to watch for would include:
    • Definition of scope (which police units/officers are covered and whether training applies to pre-employment, in-service, or both).
    • Required training topics (e.g., respectful language, de-escalation techniques, bias and discrimination awareness, interactions with individuals across gender identities and sexual orientations).
    • Implementation timeline and phased deadlines.
    • Training approval, oversight, and accountability (who certifies completion, how compliance is tracked).
    • Funding and fiscal impact (whether the bill includes a funding mechanism or relies on existing budgets).
    • Reporting requirements to assess effectiveness.

Impact and Affected Parties

  • Police and Training Agencies: Municipal and state police departments and any agencies responsible for officer training would need to incorporate SOGI-focused content into their curricula.
  • Officers and Recruits: New and current officers may undergo updated or additional training as part of mandatory professional development.
  • Sexual Orientation and/or Gender Minority (SOGI) Communities: Potential for improved interactions with law enforcement, reduced bias in policing, and greater access to respectful, informed police responses.
  • Budget and Legislative Oversight: If the Ways and Means committee reviews the bill, there could be fiscal considerations, such as funding for curriculum development, trainer certification, and ongoing program evaluation.

Procedural and Timeline Notes

  • April 22, 2025: Introduced and first referred to the Codes committee.
  • June 5, 2025: Re-referred or advanced to the Ways and Means committee for fiscal review and further consideration.

Next Steps for Readers

  • Monitor the bill’s progress in Ways and Means for any proposed fiscal details, implementation timelines, and specific training content requirements.
  • Review the full text when available to understand exact definitions, scope, compliance mechanisms, and any exemptions.
  • Consider potential local implications for police departments, budget allocations, and training program updates in affected jurisdictions.

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

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