NEW YORK, NY — Council Member Farah N. Louis proudly announced the passage of Introduction 925, known as Ben-Z’s Law, following a powerful press conference on the steps of City Hall earlier today. The bill represents a major victory for housing advocates, tenants, and families across New York City, marking a critical step forward in preventing radiator-related tragedies and ensuring safer homes for children.

Ben-Z’s Law mandates biennial inspections of steam radiators in apartments housing children under the age of six and in building common areas. The legislation will require property owners to identify, correct, and document hazardous radiator conditions—addressing one of the most preventable yet persistent dangers in the city’s aging housing stock.

The bill is named in memory of 11-month-old Binyomin “Ben-Z” Kuravsky, who was tragically killed after being burned by an overheated radiator in his Midwood apartment. His death galvanized the community and inspired action to strengthen housing safety standards across the five boroughs.

“I am proud to advance Introduction 925, Ben-Z’s Law, which responds directly to the needs and safety concerns of the communities I represent,” said Council Member Farah N. Louis, sponsor of the legislation. “This legislation is a commonsense and lifesaving measure that ensures the City will conduct regular inspections of steam radiators, protect children from preventable harm, and hold building owners accountable for unsafe conditions. As a Council, we must be responsive to the crises that continue to endanger families in their own homes, and we must ensure that the administration fully and swiftly implements this law so that every New Yorker, regardless of where they live, can count on safe, well-maintained housing.”

“Just a few days ago, a partial building collapse occurred in a South Bronx NYCHA building, causing mass displacement and uncertainty. New Yorkers deserve dignified housing, and that comes with updating safety protocols to address outdated infrastructure,” said Council Member Carmen De La Rosa, Chair of the Committee on Civil Service and Labor. “Binyomin should be with us today. I’m proud to stand alongside my colleague, prime sponsor Council Member Louis, and the many brothers and sisters in labor to introduce Ben-Z’s Law and reform safety standards for New York City’s notorious radiators and reduce further preventable injury.”

“I’m grateful to be voting in support of the passage of Baby Binyomin’s law—because every New Yorker should be safe in their home,” said Council Member Tiffany Cabán. “To Binyomin’s parents, Alexander Kuravsky and Bessie Kimelfeld: thank you for turning your son’s legacy into safety for every child in New York. You have done a heroic thing. And thank you to Council Member Louis for this law protecting our health and safety.” 

“For over a century, the Community Service Society of New York has been fighting for housing safety measures, and that fight takes an important step forward today with the passage of Intro 925,” said David R. Jones, President and CEO of the Community Service Society of New York. “After multiple tragedies and senseless deaths, we commend Councilmember Louis for her advocacy in bringing this bill to passage. New Yorkers should be able to rest easy in their homes with the knowledge that the machinery that keeps them warm is not a risk to their safety.”

“As a tenant organizer with IMPACCT Brooklyn, I’ve been working with residents across our communities to advocate for stronger housing protections and safer living conditions,” said Ozzie Martinez, Community Liaison at IMPAACT Brooklyn. “Through outreach and education, we’re helping families understand the importance of radiator safety and their rights under proposed legislation like Introduction 925. This bill represents a vital step toward accountability—ensuring that landlords take proactive measures to prevent future tragedies and protect every child and family in New York City.”

“Housing must be safe. The best way to make sure housing is safe is for elected officials to work with the people who provide housing to come up with practical policies that will work. We are thankful to Councilwoman Farah Louis for her work on Intro 925A, which will prevent future tragedies from faulty radiators. We appreciate her willingness to listen to our suggestions to make this bill better, by allowing a larger group of trained workers to perform inspections to make sure they are done more efficiently and frequently. The result of this work is better safety for all New Yorkers,” said Kenny Burgos, CEO of the New York Apartment Association.

“We applaud Councilmember Louis for engaging a wide range of stakeholders to produce strong new legislation to improve apartment safety and help prevent unspeakable tragedies related to malfunctioning radiators. We hope elected officials will advance this bill without delay,” said Dev Awasthi, Vice President of City Legislative Affairs, Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY).

With the passage of Ben-Z’s Law, the City Council has taken a decisive step toward building a safer and more equitable housing system. The law ensures that no family will have to endure the pain and loss suffered by the Kuravsky family and that all children will be better protected in their homes.