BILL NUMBER: S4571
SPONSOR: RAMOS
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
Directs the executive to create a written policy for the use of sound
cannons and other sustained auditory dispersal tools as deterrents and
verbal communication.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
§ 1.
(a) Establishes a written policy
(b) Defines sustained auditory dispersal tool: long range acoustic
device, sonic weapon, sonic cannon, or any high powered sound magnifier
transducer or other technology, to emit sustained tones, beeps, chirps,
or any deterrent tone or other non-verbal communication. Such devices
emitting over 90 decibels are considered presumptively unreasonable.
Excludes devices that magnify information or orders as a form of verbal
communication unless used as a deterrent.
(c) Sets punitive measures for victims to bring a civil action
§ 2. Sets Effective Date
 
JUSTIFICATION:
For decades, protesters have lined the streets of cities and towns
saying the names: George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony Mcdade and many
more black individuals that have lost their lives due to police
violence. The public, acting on their right to assemble peacefully, are
forcefully dispersed by police with "non-lethal" weapons.
Since 2014, courts have affirmed the NYPD's use of Long Range Acoustic
Devices (LRAD), or sound cannons, as excessive force when used for crowd
control. LRAD used by NYPD can emit sounds up to 162 decibels. The
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health states that hear-
ing loss can be caused by exposure to sound levels over 85 decibels.
Protestor's voices should not be drowned out by dangerous alarm tones
used to disperse demonstrations.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2021-2022 - Died in Codes
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
TBD
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S4571: 837 executive law