Photo: State Sen. Joe Addabbo, speaking here at American Legion Post 118 in Woodhaven, announced that the Senate has passed a bill that he introduced that would help veteran organizations avoid monetary fines for minor code violations. Forum Photo by Michael V. Cusenza.
The state Senate recently approved a bill crafted by Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) that would give veterans’ organizations a 120-day grace period to fix minor building and other code violations before hefty fines are assessed.
The legislation was introduced by Addabbo after a veterans’ organization in the 15th District was assessed nearly $5,000 in fines because it housed an ice machine and was therefore classified as a food establishment. The American Legion Post was also fined for failing to have a sink at an outdoor
barbecue event.
“This warning period of 120 days would not apply to serious violations that cause an immediate threat to safety or health, or that violate the alcoholic beverage control law,” said Addabbo, the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs. “[It] represents a good faith effort to aid veterans’ organizations that had no intention of violating the law and that just need a bit of time to correct the problems identified. I think it’s the least we can do for men and women who put their lives on the line for our country and on our behalf.”
Addabbo noted that many veterans’ organizations operate on a volunteer basis, with limited budgets, and do not receive a great deal of public funding support.
The bill is now under review by the Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs. It is sponsored in that house by Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Woodhaven).
By Forum Staff
