Councilmember Narcisse highlighted during a committee meeting that racial bias plays a significant role in the enforcement of jaywalking laws, stating 'most every New Yorker jaywalks regularly... enforcement disproportionately overwhelmingly and unfairly targets Black and Brown New Yorkers, over 90%'.
The proposed bill aimed to decriminalize jaywalking was halted from the full vote, with Council Speaker Adrienne Adams citing the need for further legislative process and unresolved discussions.
The amended version of the jaywalking bill, which was halted, included language that would still penalize jaywalkers who fail to yield to traffic, highlighting ongoing complexities in traffic safety laws.
A key aspect of the modified bill was a requirement for the NYC Department of Transportation to initiate a street safety education campaign, reflecting a broader focus on traffic safety.
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