S4852

The New York State Senate passed legislation requiring the state's Code Council to adopt national and international building code standards within 18 months, accelerating a process that currently takes up to five years. The bill, S4852, sponsored by Sen. Skoufis, passed 42-20 on a party-line vote. Skoufis argued the expedited timeline would ensure timely incorporation of safety standards while maintaining New York's more stringent building code requirements. Sen. Walczyk led opposition, contending the bill removes the word "economically" from statutory language governing code considerations without justification, incorporates outdated lighting standards irrelevant to safety, and will increase construction and housing costs during a state housing shortage. Skoufis countered that the Council retains discretion to consider cost-effectiveness through other statutory provisions and that the bill prioritizes protecting constituents and firefighters. The bill marks the fourth passage through the chamber, according to Skoufis. The measure takes effect immediately.

The Senate passed S4852, sponsored by Sen. Skoufis, an act to amend the Executive Law, on a 42-18 vote. The bill proceeded directly to a roll call vote with no recorded floor debate. Eighteen senators voted in opposition, including Sens. Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Griffo, Helming, Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Rhoads, Rolison, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk, Weber and Weik. The measure takes effect immediately upon enactment.