New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A00882

Introduced
1/8/25  
Refer
1/8/25  

Caption

Requires a study by the department of health to determine the effects that exposure to long range acoustic devices have on an individual's hearing.

Summary

This bill directs the New York State Department of Health to conduct a study on long range acoustic devices (LRADs) and their effects on people exposed to them, with particular attention to short-term and long-term hearing impacts. The measure does not regulate LRAD use directly or impose new operational restrictions; instead, it requires the department to gather information and evaluate the health consequences of exposure. Within one year after the act takes effect, the department must issue a report presenting the study’s findings and analysis. The bill is temporary in nature: it takes effect 90 days after becoming law and is automatically repealed one year after its effective date.

Impact

The bill would create a new, limited research mandate for the Department of Health, adding a study and reporting requirement to state public health responsibilities. It would not amend existing enforcement or criminal statutes, but it could inform future legislative or regulatory action regarding LRADs, crowd-control devices, hearing safety, and public health protections if the study identifies harmful effects.

Sentiment

Because there are no recorded committee transcripts or votes, the available context shows no formal opposition or support beyond the bill’s introduction. The measure appears to be framed as a precautionary public health study, suggesting a neutral-to-supportive policy posture focused on information gathering rather than immediate regulation.

Contention

The main potential point of contention is whether the state should devote resources to studying LRADs absent a broader regulatory proposal, and whether the bill is sufficiently narrow given that it only requires a report. Another possible issue is the underlying use of LRADs by law enforcement or other public entities, since any findings about hearing damage could lead to future restrictions or liability concerns for agencies that deploy the devices.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NY A00509

Requires a study by the department of health to determine the effects that exposure to long range acoustic devices have on an individual's hearing.

NY S08294

Requires a detailed determination in orders determining a motion, no longer up to a judge's discretion.

NY A10609

Requires a detailed determination in orders determining a motion, no longer up to a judge's discretion.

NY S01380

Requires the department of environmental conservation and the department of health to establish certain standards related to the cleaning of playground equipment after pesticide exposure.

NY A01649

Requires the department of environmental conservation and the department of health to establish certain standards related to the cleaning of playground equipment after pesticide exposure.

WV SB666

Determining liability for exposure to asbestos or silica

ME LD878

Resolve, to Study the Effects of 5G and Other Non-ionizing Radio Frequency Radiation-emitting Technology on Bird, Bee, Insect and Other Wildlife Populations and the Effects of Long-term Exposure on Children

TX SB2496

Relating to a study by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Department of State Health Services regarding the human health risks associated with exposure to hydrogen sulfide.

WV HB5324

Amending the procedures for determining liability for exposures to asbestos or silica.

NY A01306

Directs the department of civil service to conduct a study on competitive examinations for public employment held by the state department of civil service and by municipal commissions to determine whether the contents of such examinations have a discriminatory effect on minority examinees; requires a report on such findings to be delivered to the governor and legislature.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.