Time is running out as Mayor Eric Adams faces a looming Friday deadline to sign the How Many Stops Act (HMSA), a bill overwhelmingly passed by the City Council in December.

Advocates and elected officials gathered for a rally Wednesday, urging the mayor to expedite the process of what they believe is an essential police reform bill.

"If Mayor Adams really wanted to see a safer New York, then he would sign these bills immediately," said Donavan Taveres, Program Director at El Puente while speaking at the rally. 

“By delaying he is sending a message to all New Yorkers, it is a message that implies a preference against transparency rather than taking a stand in favor of it,” Taveres added. 

The bill, which passed with overwhelming support, mandates the NYPD to provide reports every three months detailing encounters considered low level. However, Mayor Adams opposes the bill, citing potential delays in police response times, officer diversion from emergency incidents, and increased overtime costs impacting the city's budget.

The NYPD, aligning with the mayor's stance, released a simulation video on social media  illustrating an officer impeded in their duties by the legislation. City Council Member Alexa Aviles criticized the video, stating, "They’re doing political commentary on legislation, I wasn’t even aware that an agency could do that, spending taxpayer dollars on political ads.”

Aviles clarified that the bill was negotiated with the NYPD, and its purpose is not to hinder policing but to enhance transparency and accountability. She emphasized the proven success of similar measures in places like Los Angeles for traffic stops.

“What it shows is that police are much more discerning and they’re doing better traffic stops,” said Aviles. 

"They should want this to work. This is all part of policing work, and there’s nothing stopping that policing work except the police themselves," Aviles continued.

If the mayor refrains from signing, councilmembers assert the bill will automatically become law. However, if he chooses to veto, a revote will be triggered.