Council Member Ossé Secures Support for CURB Act

The legislation aims to restrict NYPD use of kettling and tear gas at protests.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Legislative Policy

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a geometric architectural archway in deep red and cream, evoking institutional legislative oversight. — New York City Council Member Chi Ossé has gained a 26th sponsor for the CURB Act, which seeks to limit NYPD protest tactics. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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New York City Council Member Chi Ossé has secured a 26th sponsor for the CURB Act. The bill seeks to regulate NYPD tactics during First Amendment activities.

Why it matters

Proponents of the CURB Act aim to limit the power of the Strategic Response Group, which has faced scrutiny over its use of aggressive crowd control measures during protests.

The bill currently has 26 sponsors among 60 total pieces of legislation awaiting action in committee. The Strategic Response Group, the focus of the proposed restrictions, was originally established in 2015.

The players

Chi Ossé

He is a New York City Council Member representing District 36 who serves as the primary sponsor for the CURB Act.

Oswald Feliz

He is a New York City Council Member who chairs the Committee on Public Safety and holds authority over the hearing schedule for the bill.

Zohran Mamdani

He is the Mayor of New York City who maintains final authority over the deployment of the NYPD Strategic Response Group.

Jessica Tisch

She serves as the New York City Police Commissioner and maintains the confidence of the mayor's office.

The details

The CURB Act would prohibit the NYPD from using kettling and tear gas during protected demonstrations while requiring quarterly reports on officer deployments. While the NYPD maintains the unit was on standby for a recent protest in Marble Hill, Council Member Chi Ossé is pushing for stricter oversight of the force.

The NYPD established the Strategic Response Group in 2015.
An alleged attempted bombing occurred outside Gracie Mansion in March 2026.
Council Member Chi Ossé secured a 26th sponsor for the legislation in October 2026.

Political Context

The CURB Act represents a significant legislative attempt to constrain the mission mandate of the NYPD Strategic Response Group established in 2015. Opponents of the bill argue that these restrictions could hinder the police department's ability to maintain public order during volatile situations.

Residents and protesters may see shifts in how police handle First Amendment activities if the Council successfully passes this oversight legislation. The bill's outcome will dictate whether the NYPD is required to disclose more transparency regarding their deployment strategies during public demonstrations.

The takeaway

The proposed legislation highlights a growing divide between city council oversight efforts and NYPD operational independence. Residents should monitor committee hearing announcements to see if the bill gains the momentum needed to reach a full Council vote.