BILL NUMBER: S18
SPONSOR: SKOUFIS
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the criminal procedure law, in relation to securing
orders for principals charged with arson felony offenses
 
PURPOSE:
To add felony arson in the third degree and the fourth degree to the
list of bail-eligible offenses
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. This act shall be known as "Billy's Law"
Section 2. Amends paragraphs t and u of subdivision 4 of section 510.10
of the criminal procedure law and Section 2 of subpart b of p art UU of
chapter 56 of the laws of 2022 to add felony arson in the third and
fourth degree to the list of bail-eligible offenses
Section 3. Adds conforming language to section 530.20 of the CPL
Section 4. Adds conforming language to section 530.40 of the CPL
Section 5. Sets forth the effective date
 
JUSTIFICATION:
On January 15, 2022, Forestburgh Assistant Fire Chief William "Billy"
Steinberg tragically lost his life while courageously responding to a
fire in the Town of Thompson, Sullivan County. At just 37 years old, his
passing was a profound loss to his community. This bill is named in his
honor.
The fire that claimed Billy's life was intentionally set by Mohammed
Islam, a Brooklyn resident who unlawfully entered a home and ignited a
fire in a dresser drawer. Mr. Islam was subsequently charged with
second-degree burglary and fourth-degree arson.
However, this devastating incident could have been prevented. Mr. Islam
had a history of arson-related offenses, having been charged with two
prior incidents of arson. Yet, due to existing state bail laws, he was
eligible for bail and was released, enabling him to commit the crime
that ultimately led to Billy Steinberg's death.
This legislation seeks to address a critical gap in public safety by
adding arson in the third degree and arson in the fourth degree- both
felony offenses-to the list of bail-eligible crimes. Had these
provisions been in place, Mr. Islam could have been held in custody,
potentially preventing the tragedy that took Billy Steinberg's life.
The objective of this bill is to strengthen public safety measures and
provide judges with the necessary tools to safeguard communities from
dangerous arsonists. Further, this legislation is aimed at honoring
Billy's life and preventing further senseless deaths.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
Senate
2022: S8181, Reported and Committed to Finance
2023: S4570, Referred to Codes
2024: S4570, Referred to Codes
Assembly
2022: A9381, Referred to Codes
2023: A5070, Referred to Codes
2024: A5070, Referred to Codes
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have
become a law.