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Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. has earned the reputation of a highly effective and well-regarded public servant who works in a bipartisan manner to deliver results for his constituents. Since taking office, Senator Fuschillo has authored nearly 200 state laws, including some of the most historic in recent memory.
Senator Fuschillo is a strong, passionate leader in the fight against drunk driving who has authored some of the toughest drunk driving laws in the country. He authored laws which lowered New York State's legal blood alcohol content (BAC) level from .10 to .08, enacted tougher penalties for repeat offenders, and created a new “aggravated DWI” charge for drunk drivers with a BAC of .18 or higher. Senator Fuschillo was a sponsor of "Leandra's Law," which makes it a felony to drive drunk with a child in the car and requires all convicted drunk drivers to use ignition interlocks to prevent them from drinking and driving again. Senator Fuschillo also wrote New York’s aggravated vehicular homicide and assault law which significantly increased the penalties for drunk drivers who kill or severely injure others. Senator Fuschillo has earned the New York State STOP-DWI Association’s highest honor, the William T. Smith Award, and been recognized by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for his dedication and contributions to preventing drunk driving in New York State.
As Chairman of the Senate's Transportation Committee, Senator Fuschillo is continually working to make our roads safer and has been recognized for his efforts by organizations across the state, including the New York League of Conservation Voters, the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, and Vision Long Island. He authored New York's "Complete Streets" Law requiring all state, county, and local transportation agencies to consider complete streets design principles on all projects which receive state and federal funding. Complete streets design principles are design features that have been proven to reduce fatalities and injuries by accommodating and facilitating safe travel. Senator Fuschillo fought for greater investments in transportation infrastructure to ensure that New York's roads, bridges, and mass transit systems are safe and able to meet the needs of the millions of people who use them each day.
Knowing that job creation is critical to economic development, Senator Fuschillo helped create the Broad Hollow Bioscience Park at Farmingdale State College, which serves as a home for the creation of biotechnology companies and high-tech jobs for Long Islanders.
As the former Chairman of the Senate's Consumer Protection Committee, Senator Fuschillo authored numerous laws giving consumers new tools to protect themselves from identity theft. He authored laws requiring businesses and government agencies to notify consumers when their personal information is compromised as a result of a security breach, as well allowing consumers to block outside access to their credit information by placing a security freeze on their credit reports. Senator Fuschillo authored New York State's Telemarketer 'Do Not Call' Registry law to give consumers a way to prevent unwanted telemarketing sales calls. The law served as the model for the federal government’s “Do Not Call” registry. He also sponsored the law which raised the maximum fine for price gouging.
In an effort to help the growing number of families being affected by autism, Senator Fuschillo authored laws to ensure that individuals with autism receive equitable coverage for care from insurance companies, as well as require insurance companies to cover the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Autism Speaks, the nation’s largest autism advocacy organization, honored Senator Fuschillo with the Autism Advocacy award and named him a “legislative champion” in recognition of his efforts
To protect the public from the dangers of second-hand smoke, Senator Fuschillo strengthened New York State’s Clean Indoor Air Act to make worksites and public places smoke free. The State has experienced a significant reduction in non-smokers’ exposure to second hand smoke since the law was enacted. He also sponsored a statewide ban on over-the-counter products containing the dangerous dietary supplement ephedra.
As a parent, Senator Fuschillo cares deeply about children and has worked hard to keep them safe. He authored numerous child safety laws and helped secure new educational technology for local school districts. Senator Fuschillo’s efforts have led to enhanced safety measures for day care centers, improved adoption laws, and further protections for children afflicted with asthma. Additionally, he sponsored a statewide ban on dangerous drop-side cribs, which have been linked to numerous child deaths and injuries.
Recognizing the need to expand the fight against cancer, Senator Fuschillo partnered with breast cancer advocacy organizations in writing the law that requires New York State to match donations made to the state's Breast Cancer Research and Education Fund listed on state income tax return forms. Senator Fuschillo also fought to end the practice of disqualifying adoptive parents on the basis of being a survivor of cancer or any other serious illness.
Senator Fuschillo is currently serving his eighth full term in the State Senate representing the 8th Senate District on Long Island, which includes portions of the Towns of Hempstead and Oyster Bay in Nassau County and a portion of the Town of Babylon in Suffolk County.
A lifelong resident of Long Island, Senator Fuschillo and his wife, Ellen have three children.
Senator Fuschillo is the Chairman of the Senate’s Transportation Committee, and is a member of the Senate Committees on Civil Service and Pensions; Codes; Commerce, Economic Development, and Small Business; Consumer Protection; Energy & Telecommunications; Finance; Health; Infrastructure & Capital Investment; Judiciary; and Rules.