Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. has earned the reputation of a highly effective and well-regarded public servant by demonstrating a strong commitment to the residents of his district, working in a bipartisan fashion to obtain results for his constituents, and authoring some of the most historic state laws in recent memory.  

Senator Fuschillo has led the fight against drunk driving in New York State, and as a result of his efforts, New York has some of the strongest anti-DWI laws in the country. Most recently, Senator Fuschillo sponsored "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. He sponsored laws which lowered New York State's legal blood alcohol content (BAC) level from .10 to .08 and enacted tougher penalties for repeat offenders and those who drive with an elevated BAC. Senator Fuschillo also wrote the law creating new felony crimes for drunk drivers who kill or severely injure others

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 to established and startup biotechnology companies and provides high-tech jobs for Long Islanders. In April 2011, he authored a law to expand the Broad Hollow Bioscience Park to help create new jobs and economic development.  Senator Fuschillo sponsored programs to help small business owners learn about different resources available to help them grow and create jobs. In addition, he sponsored job resource expos to help put individuals back to work. 

To help make our roads safer for all users of the road, Senator Fuschillo 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 roadway design features that have been proven to reduce fatalities and injuries by accommodating and facilitating safe travel by all users of the road.

Recognizing that identity theft is one of the most frequently occurring consumer crimes, Senator Fuschillo sponsored a landmark law to help safeguard individuals personal and private information. He authored the law requiring businesses and government agencies to notify consumers when their personal information is compromised as a result of a security breach. Senator Fuschillo also wrote the law allowing consumers to block outside access to their credit information by placing a security freeze on their credit reports. 

To help further protect consumers, Senator Fuschillo authored New York State's Telemarketer 'Do Not Call' Registry law, which 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 to $25,000 per violation.   

To protect the public health, 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.    

Senator Fuschillo also sponsored a statewide ban on over-the-counter products containing the dangerous dietary supplement ephedra. A leader in the fight against autism, Senator Fuschillo authored laws to ensure that autism patients 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.  

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. 

A strong advocate in the fight against cancer, Senator Fuschillo sponsors breast, prostate and skin cancer screening programs in communities throughout his Senate District. Partnering with breast cancer advocacy organizations, he wrote 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. 

An active member of the community, Senator Fuschillo is involved with many different local organizations, including Kiwanis, the Chamber of Commerce, the Community Wellness Council, Italian Americans in Government, and Order of Sons of Italy in America. He also served as a coach for the Police Athletic League.  

Senator Fuschillo is currently serving his eighth full term in the State Senate representing the 8^th 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 earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Adelphi University.  

Senator Fuschillo and his wife, Ellen, reside in Merrick with their 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 & Capavestment; Judiciary; and Rules.