New York State Senator Mike Martucci Saturday February 5, 2022 at the Forestburgh Fire Company in Sullivan County announced the introduction of legislation in the state Senate that authorizes bail and pre-trial detention for all felony arson charges. This after Assistant Chief Billy Steinberg of the Forestburgh Fire Company died in the line of duty responding to a structure fire on January 15th that was intentionally set by a serial felon arsonist. For previous suspected felony arson charges, the individual was arrested and released on his own recognizance in accordance with the state’s bail reform law. The release occurred just one day prior to the fatal fire, on January 14th. The legislation (S.8181) is being dubbed “Billy’s Law,” after the deceased.
Also speaking NYS Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, Sullivan County DA Meagan Galligan, Sullivan County Sheriff Mike Schiff and James Steinberg former Forestburgh Fire Chief and father of Billy Steinberg.