A trifecta of bills addressing quality-of-life issues that have nagged Suffolk residents for years were signed into law during ceremonies with County Executive Ed Romaine and the legislation’s sponsors. Together, the measures strengthen housing safety, consumer protection, and post-disaster integrity — all aimed at restoring accountability in neighborhoods across the county.
The first bill, sponsored by Legislator Nick Caracappa, targets illegal group homes and slumlords by requiring landlords to comply with local zoning and building codes to qualify for county-funded rental assistance. “Right now, landlords can hide behind LLCs and state law, while the county is forced to pay housing vouchers — even if the homes haven’t been inspected or violate fire and health codes,” Caracappa said. “We’ve ended that.”
The legislator noted that the bill will protect both tenants and first responders, while ensuring taxpayer funds aren’t used to subsidize unsafe housing. Community leaders praised the measure as long overdue, citing the dangers of overcrowded homes.
A second bill, sponsored by Legislator Jim Mazzarella, strengthens the county’s consumer protection laws by tightening contractor licensing requirements, increasing penalties, and expanding the public registry of dishonest professionals. “A small but dangerous minority continues to exploit consumers by operating without a license,” Mazzarella said. “This legislation sends a clear message: there will be consequences.”
The third measure, introduced by Legislator Dominick Thorne, requires fire-damage contractors to be licensed and bans solicitation at active fire scenes. “In Suffolk County, we don’t prey on our neighbors when they’re at their lowest point,” Thorne said.
County Executive Ed Romaine praised the bipartisan effort, calling the bills “common-sense reforms that protect Suffolk residents, strengthen trust in government, and make our communities safer and more affordable.”
Joining in the bill-signing ceremonies were Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico, County Clerk Vincent Puleo, Suffolk Comptroller John Kennedy, and other supporters.