FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 24th, 2025
CONTACT: Emma Johnson
ejohnson@council.nyc.gov 
347-864-4925

Council Member Keith Powers Introduces Discovery Reform in New York City 

New requirements will cut bureaucratic red tape and result in speedier trials

NEW YORK – Today Council Member Keith Powers introduced legislation to cut bureaucratic red tape in the discovery process for New York City district attorneys. The bill requires the New York Police Department (NYPD) to provide each of the five district attorneys with access to electronic record systems, which contain evidence that prosecutors need to both build cases against defendants, as well as comply with current state discovery law.

District attorneys have previously relied on staff at NYPD to share evidence, a process that has slowed the speed with which prosecutors get access to the evidence they need to build their cases. With direct access to the electronic system, the process will be streamlined, allowing discovery to happen more quickly and making it easier for not only prosecutors, but also defense attorneys, to gain access to critical evidence that ensures a fair and speedy trial for defendants.

Council Member Keith Powers said, “Safety is a top priority for all New Yorkers. While we’ve continued to see crime fall, it’s as important as ever that we give prosecutors the tools they need to bring criminals to justice. This bill is a common-sense procedural reform that speeds up processes, allowing district attorneys to do their work and making it easier to comply with state discovery law.”

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