The New York City Council is scheduled to vote Thursday on two separate bills addressing public safety and protest regulations in the city.

One bill would restrict the Police Department's Strategic Response Group from being deployed at protests. The Strategic Response Group, a specialized NYPD unit, has been a source of ongoing debate regarding its role in managing demonstrations and public gatherings.

A second bill under consideration would establish buffer zones around houses of worship, though the current version represents a scaled-back approach from initial proposals. The legislation follows intense protests outside a synagogue last year that prompted City Council Speaker to pledge stronger protections for religious institutions.

The buffer zone bill being voted on Thursday is described as a watered-down version of what was originally promised. The current proposal does not include the 100-foot protest buffer zone that was initially discussed as a potential measure to protect houses of worship.

Both pieces of legislation reflect ongoing tensions in New York City over balancing First Amendment rights, public safety concerns, and the protection of religious institutions. The votes come amid broader national discussions about police tactics at protests and the security of religious communities.

The outcome of Thursday's votes will determine how the city regulates both police responses to demonstrations and protest activities near religious sites going forward.