LI Republicans Introduce 'Billy's Law' Against Bail Reform

BRENTWOOD, NY — Long Island’s Republican New York State senators say they are striving to save lives by challenging New York's bail reform law.

Senators Phil Boyle, Alexis Weik, Mario Mattera, and Anthony Palumbo were joined by State Senator Mike Martucci on Wednesday at the Brentwood Fire Department to introduce "Billy's Law", which would authorize bail and pre-trial detention for all arson felonies, a press release said.

On Jan. 14, Mohammed Islam, 32, of Brooklyn, was charged with setting fires on Jan. 10 and Jan. 13, police said. Due to New York’s current bail reform law, officials said the reported serial arsonist was released on Jan. 14.

Isam set a fire the very next day, in an empty vacation home in Sullivan County, authorities said.

William “Billy” Steinberg, 37, assistant chief with the Forestburgh Fire Company, responded to the fire. He collapsed at the scene of the fire, officials said, and died of a heart attack.

Islam has since been indicted on a felony murder charge for this incident, police said.

“Assistant Chief Billy Steinberg’s death was completely preventable. Due to the repeat criminal actions of a serial arsonist, and who is now also an indicted murderer, a local hero’s life was cut tragically short," said Martucci (R-C, 42nd District).

The senators were joined by both fire and law enforcement officials. Many of them criticized the bail reform law, saying it was a "catastrophic failure" and "disastrous."

"Before one more innocent life is lost, action must be taken," said Martucci. "Billy’s Law is a practical step to address the dangerousness of repeat offenders and protect our firefighters that has broad, bipartisan support.”