A3126B

The Senate passed A3126B, an act to amend the Executive Law, on a 47-11 vote, requiring municipalities to notify building code complainants of violations and their resolutions via certified mail, registered mail, or in person. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Skoufis, sparked debate over implementation costs and municipal burden. Supporters, including Sen. Mayer and Sen. Helming, characterized it as a public safety measure ensuring complainants learn whether dangerous conditions are resolved. Opponents, led by Sen. Martins and Sen. Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, argued it adds unnecessary bureaucratic layers and costs to already-stretched municipal budgets without enforcement mechanisms. Sen. Rhoads raised concerns about FOIL exemptions for complainant information. Skoufis countered that the cost represents only 0.01 percent of municipal budgets and that municipalities already collect contact information. The bill was initially debated on the controversial calendar before being restored to the noncontroversial calendar by agreement.