On Thursday, New York state lawmakers passed the ‘Keep Police Radio Public Act’, a legislative measure aimed at preventing the New York Police Department (NYPD) from encrypting its radio communications. The bill, which passed both the state Senate and Assembly, is now set to be reviewed by Governor Kathy Hochul. Sponsored by state Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Queens) and Assemblywoman Karines Reyes (D-Bronx), the legislation seeks to maintain access to real-time police radio communications for emergency services organizations and the press, while still protecting sensitive information.