Koslow Introduces “Fair Fees Accountability Act”
By Hank Russell
Democratic Caucus of the Nassau County Legislature held a press conference on December 9 to introduce legislation to repeal what they say are excessive and illegal red-light camera fees and ensure refunds for drivers. As previously reported in Long Island Life & Politics, a state appellate court ruled that additional fees on the red-light camera tickets were illegal.
During the press conference, Legislator Seth Koslow (D-Merrick) introduced the “Fair Fees Accountability Act,” which he said is aimed at delivering justice to Nassau families.
“For over a decade, Nassau drivers have been paying illegal fees — fees that the courts have now confirmed were never supposed to exist,” said Koslow. “These fees ballooned from $15 in 2011 to $100 in 2017. That’s $150 for something that was supposed to be capped at $50. This was not about traffic safety; this was highway robbery. Our legislation fully repeals these illegal fees, creates a refund fund to reimburse affected drivers over five years, and establishes an oversight committee to ensure transparency and fairness in the refund process.”
The proposed “Fair Fees Accountability Act” would create a dedicated refund fund. Over five years, eligible drivers will receive reimbursements for the excessive fees they were forced to pay. An independent oversight committee will manage the refund process to ensure transparency and prevent political interference.
“Today, we gather to correct an over decade-long injustice inflicted on Nassau County’s hardworking families — an injustice the courts have unanimously ruled was illegal,” said Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D-Glen Cove). “Excessive fees attached to red-light camera tickets have burdened countless drivers for far too long, and it’s time for action. While the courts have done their part, it’s now our duty as legislators to ensure that the County takes immediate steps to repeal these fees and refund the money unlawfully taken from our residents.”
Legislator Arnie Drucker (D-Plainview) highlighted the program’s historical misuse. “Since 2009, this program has strayed far from its original intent,” he said. “The red-light cameras were meant to save lives, not drain wallets. The appellate court’s decision is clear: these fees were illegal. Our legislation ensures refunds are distributed responsibly without jeopardizing essential County services.”
“These fees disproportionately hurt families in communities like mine, where every dollar counts. Refunding these fees is not just about fairness; it’s about restoring trust in our government,” added Legislator Carrié Solages (D-Valley Stream).
Legislator Debra Mulé (D-Freeport) said, “This legislation is long overdue. For years, Nassau families have been burdened with illegal fees, and we now have an opportunity to right this wrong. This is about delivering justice and restoring fairness to our residents.”
Legislator Scott Davis (D-Rockville Centre) addressed the need for transparency and oversight: “Our legislation includes strong accountability measures, such as the creation of an oversight committee, to ensure this refund process is handled fairly and without political gamesmanship. This isn’t just about money; it’s about justice. Our residents deserve a government that works for them, not against them.”
The “Fair Fees and Accountability Act” includes strong accountability measures and demands answers regarding how the excess funds were used. Koslow stressed, “The county executive has delayed long enough. It’s time to refund every penny owed to Nassau families.”
“The message is clear: Nassau County drivers deserve justice, accountability, and fairness,” DeRiggi-Whitton added. “This legislation is our commitment to righting this wrong and ensuring it never happens again. The County Executive has a choice — stand with Nassau families or face the consequences of inaction.”
In response to DeRiggi-Whitton’s comments, Christopher Boyle, a spokesperson for County Executive Bruce Blakeman, said in a statement, “It is incredibly dishonest that Democratic Minority Leader Delia Derriggi-Whitton, who led the fight to increase red light camera fees, now wants to punish the taxpayers for her mistakes.”