NY A08173

Requires local governments operating public security cameras in public spaces (streets, subways, parks, stadiums, government buildings, hospitals, etc.) to retain video recordings for a minimum of 15 months before erasing or overwriting

Mandates 15-month retention for body camera and similar recordings from police, fire departments, and ambulance/healthcare services that capture interactions between public officials and the public

Extends retention beyond 15 months when a local government has notice of a legal claim, requiring recordings be kept until litigation ends or 15 months passes, whichever is later

Requires recordings be stored securely to prevent unauthorized access, tampering, or deletion, and be accessible via shared drive to officials responsible for Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests

Defines "local government" broadly to include counties, cities, towns, villages, school districts, public benefit corporations, and public authorities within New York State