Res. No 700
Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to pass A.11075, known as the “Who You Gonna Call? Act,” the Senate to introduce and pass a companion bill, and the Governor to sign, legislation that would classify vehicles of the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner as authorized emergency vehicles
By Council Member Schulman
Whereas, The New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) plays a critical role in the City’s public safety and emergency response infrastructure, including responding to scenes involving sudden, unexpected, or suspicious deaths, disasters, and other incidents requiring timely forensic investigation and decedent recovery; and
Whereas, OCME personnel are often required to respond rapidly to active and complex emergency scenes alongside law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical service personnel; and
Whereas, Despite performing these essential emergency response functions, OCME vehicles are not currently classified as “authorized emergency vehicles” under New York State law; and
Whereas, Because OCME vehicles do not have an emergency classification, personnel are delayed in reaching incident scenes, navigating traffic conditions, and coordinating in a timely fashion with other responding agencies; and
Whereas, Delays in OCME response can impede timely forensic investigations, prolong scene management, and place additional strain on families awaiting recovery and identification of the deceased; and
Whereas, At the City Council’s fiscal year 2027 Health Committee preliminary budget hearing, OCME testified that it is seeking a change in state law to designate its vehicles as authorized emergency vehicles because doing so would improve scene response times; and
Whereas, Proposed state legislation, A.11075, known as the “Who You Gonna Call? Act,” sponsored by Assemblyman Sam Berger, would address this gap by classifying OCME vehicles as authorized emergency vehicles; and
Whereas, The legislation would also designate any actual or potential scene where OCME has an official role as an emergency operation, thereby formally recognizing the agency’s integral function in emergency response; and
Whereas, Additionally, the legislation would authorize OCME vehicles to utilize blue, red, and white emergency lights when engaged in such operations, improving their ability to travel safely and efficiently; and
Whereas, Aligning OCME with other emergency responders reflects the reality of the office’s work and strengthens interagency coordination during critical incidents; and
Whereas, Enacting this legislation would enhance public safety, improve operational efficiency, and support the timely handling of the deceased; now, therefore, be it
Whereas, the State Senate has not yet introduced a companion bill on this issue; and
Resolved that the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Legislature to pass A.11075, known as the “Who You Gonna Call? Act,” the Senate to introduce and pass a companion bill, and the Governor to sign, legislation that would classify vehicles of the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner as authorized emergency vehicles
LS 22827
EA
5/27/26