Filed Under: County | Long Island | Nassau

Nassau County Legislature

http://www.co.nassau.ny.us/legislat/

Until 1995, Nassau County residents were represented by a county board comprised of the supervisors and mayors of the Nassau townships and cities.  However, a federal court ruling found the Board of Supervisor system unconstitutional because it did not adequately represent the people of Nassau County.  In 1995, the new Nassau County Charter called for the creation of a Nassau County Legislature with 19 legislative districts.  In November of 1995, the 19 new county legislators were elected and took office in January of 1996.  Legislators serve two-year terms.  The Legislature has several committees that deal with environmental issues: public works, health and social services, and planning, development, and the environment.  Through the initiative of these committees, the legislature has the ability to provide for environmental protection and regulate local activities not currently regulated by state or federal government. 

Under the Legislature’s committee system, the citizens of Nassau County know which legislators are responsible for which issues.  Citizens can request committee agendas, attend and testify at hearings, and petition for legislation, which must be acted on first by a committee of the Legislature and then by the entire legislative body.  At this time, there is no formal waiting period between public hearings and the legislature’s actual vote on a proposed law.