The New York state Senate has passed a bill aimed at curbing illegal housing. A Hudson Valley lawmaker is the sponsor.
Independent Democrat David Carlucci’s legislation authorizes certain municipalities to add unpaid housing code fines into the offender’s annual taxes.
“Enough is enough. We’ve seen how pervasive the issue of illegal housing is and unscrupulous landlords in our community and around the state,” says Carlucci. “And we have to have a no-nonsense approach.”
He says the legislation also seeks to protect first responders who could endanger their lives by entering a home without knowing its illegal subdivisions. Democrat Ken Zebrowksi sponsors the bill in the Assembly, where it has yet to pass.