New York state lawmakers voted to stop the NYPD’s attempt to block its radio communications from the public Thursday, with the bill expected to head to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s desk.

The “Keep Police Radio Public Act” passed both the state Senate and state Assembly, with a sponsor of the legislation arguing the proposal strikes the “proper balance” in the battle between transparency and sensitive information. 3

“Preserving access to police radio is critical for a free press and to preserve the freedoms and protections afforded by the public availability of this information,” state Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Queens) said in a statement.

“As encrypted radio usage grows, my proposal strikes the proper balance between legitimate law enforcement needs and the rights and interests of New Yorker

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