Bill > S04535

This bill amends the Executive Law to modify the process for investigating and addressing issues with fire prevention and building code enforcement at the local government level in New York State. The bill provides the state secretary with enhanced powers to investigate potential code enforcement problems, particularly when a county officially requests an investigation into a local government's compliance with the uniform fire prevention and building code. The secretary can now initiate an investigation after receiving a formal county resolution that explains concerns about a local government's code enforcement. If the investigation reveals significant issues, the secretary has several potential remedies, including issuing compliance orders, seeking legal action through the attorney general, or designating the county to administer and enforce the code in the problematic local government. Importantly, the bill also allows a local government that has been stripped of code enforcement authority to petition for reassumption of those responsibilities after 18 months, provided they can demonstrate they have resolved the original compliance issues. The changes aim to improve building and fire safety standards by creating a more structured mechanism for addressing potential code enforcement failures at the local level.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4535