NEW CITY- Lawmakers gathered in Rockland to call for the passage of a set of bills currently before the state legislature they say would improve fire safety in the state. The bipartisan coalition of lawmakers bound together in their charge following a series of deadly fires in the county, including a March 2021 fire that claimed the life of volunteer Spring Valley firefighter Jared Lloyd.
“We are all aware of the housing challenges this county faces. Challenges – which are decades in the making – and reaching a breaking point. One thing is clear… more needs to be done. So since last summer my administration & I have been formally collaborating with our New York State lawmakers and their staffs to stand behind a package of fire safety bills that we believe can and will save lives,” said Rockland County Executive Ed Day.
The group called for the passage of a package of bills that include:
- State assistance to local governments for the enforcement of fire prevention and building codes using monies paid into the code enforcement account.
- The establishment of the felony crimes of reckless endangerment of an emergency service person in the first and second degrees.
- Authorizing municipalities in the county of Rockland to add unpaid housing code violation penalties, costs and fines to such municipalities’ annual tax levy.
- Increasing benefits for volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers.
- Enhancing 911 – Communication enhancements by increasing state grant and reimbursements to $100 million for development, consolidation, or operation of public safety communications systems.
- Adding the requirement that if the Secretary of State (SOS) is notified that a municipality is not providing administration & enforcement of the Uniform Fire Prevention & Building Code that complies with minimum standards the SOS may investigate & conduct hearings into alleged failure of local code enforcement. This proposal essentially codifies what SOS did in Spring Valley.
- The establishment of minimum staffing levels for agencies enforcing the minimum standards under the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code Act.
- The establishment of civil penalties resulting from a violation related to the condition or use of real property may be applied against another property in rem.
- The establishment of aggravated offenses property owner can be charged with a Class D Felony if a person suffers serious physical injury as a result of a violation of a provision of the uniform fire prevention and building code.
State Senator Bill Weber, who was present at the news conference, said, “Fire safety is a top issue in our county, and we are committed to working together to address the issue. This package of bipartisan legislation is part of our ongoing effort to ensure the safety of Rockland County residents and first responders.”
