New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A00125

Introduced
1/8/25  
Refer
1/8/25  

Caption

Creates the blue light emergency phones pilot program in all five boroughs; directs the commissioner of parks, recreation and historic preservation to study and report upon the use of such program.

Summary

This bill would create a blue light emergency phones pilot program in New York City parks. The Department of Parks and Recreation would be required to install blue-light emergency phones in one park in each of the five boroughs. When activated, the phones would automatically dial 9-1-1 and connect directly to the police department, with the stated purpose of improving public safety in parks. The bill also requires the commissioner of parks and recreation to study the pilot program and compare public safety outcomes in parks with the phones to parks without them. Within 365 days after all five locations are operational, the commissioner must submit the study’s findings and any legislative recommendations to the governor, the temporary president of the senate, the speaker of the assembly, and the mayor of New York City. The act would take effect 90 days after becoming law.

Impact

The bill would amend the administrative code of the City of New York by adding a new section requiring a city-run pilot program in five parks, one in each borough. It would impose new operational responsibilities on the Department of Parks and Recreation and create a reporting obligation for the commissioner. The measure could also affect NYPD response procedures and park safety planning, while leaving any broader expansion of the program to future legislative action based on the study results.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and available context, the measure appears to be framed positively as a public safety initiative, with no recorded committee debate or votes indicating opposition or support. The sponsor’s approach suggests interest in testing a targeted safety tool before considering wider implementation. Because there are no transcripts or voting records provided, the overall sentiment cannot be measured beyond the bill’s apparent safety-oriented purpose.

Contention

The main potential point of contention is whether installing blue-light emergency phones in parks is an effective and cost-justified public safety strategy compared with other security measures. Questions could also arise about maintenance, placement, police response reliability, and whether the pilot should be limited to one park per borough or expanded more broadly. Any disagreement would likely center on the balance between visible emergency infrastructure and alternative approaches to park safety, but no specific objections are documented in the provided materials.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NY A00178

Creates the blue light emergency phones pilot program in all five boroughs and directs the commissioner of parks, recreation and historic preservation to study and report upon the use of such program.

NY S08551

Creates the blue light emergency phones grant program for the purpose of public safety; directs a study be conducted to report upon the impact of such program.

NY H0487

Amends, repeals, and adds to existing law to revise the parks passport program and the parks and recreational activity programs.

NY A08782

Directs the commissioner of parks, recreation and historic preservation, in conjunction with the department of economic development, to conduct a feasibility study and report on the potential reestablishment of the empire state games.

NY S09301

Establishes the New York state park police under the jurisdiction of the commissioner of parks, recreation and historic preservation.

NY S08400

Directs the commissioner of parks, recreation and historic preservation, in conjunction with the department of economic development, to conduct a feasibility study and report on the potential reestablishment of the empire state summer games.

NY A10417

Establishes the New York state park police under the jurisdiction of the commissioner of parks, recreation and historic preservation.

NY S07425

Directs the commissioner of the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation to conduct a legal review for the re-designation of Donald J. Trump State Park, in Putnam and Westchester counties to a new name.

NY S10137

Directs the commissioner of the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation to conduct a legal review for the re-designation of Donald J. Trump State Park, in Putnam and Westchester counties to a new name.

NY S00261

Directs the commissioner of parks, recreation and historic preservation to establish the state parks passport program allowing visitors to state parks and historic sites to log their visits to such sites in a passport book or electronic application.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.