Signed in August, the measure allows a local nonprofit to seek a property-tax exemption through the Town of Brookhaven.
MASTIC BEACH, NY — New York State Assemblyman Joe DeStefano added another measure to his 2026 legislative record when Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation in August allowing a Mastic Beach nonprofit organization to seek property-tax relief.
The legislation, sponsored by DeStefano in the Assembly and Senator Dean Murray in the Senate, was signed into law on August 21, 2026, becoming Chapter 248 of the Laws of 2026.
The measure addresses Ministerios Sion, Inc., a nonprofit organization with property at 168 Locust Drive in Mastic Beach.
Under the new law, the Town of Brookhaven’s assessor may accept an application for a property-tax exemption despite the organization having missed the original filing deadline.
Providing a Path to Tax Relief
New York State law permits qualifying religious and charitable organizations to receive exemptions from certain property taxes. However, applications must generally be submitted within established deadlines.
In this case, special state legislation was necessary to give Brookhaven officials the authority to consider the organization’s late application.
DeStefano introduced Assembly Bill A.8334 in 2025, with Murray carrying companion legislation S.7762 in the Senate.
Both chambers approved the legislation in June 2026 before the governor signed it in August.
What the Legislation Accomplished
The new law allows Brookhaven officials to review the nonprofit’s eligibility for an exemption associated with specified tax years and parcels.
If the organization meets the requirements of state law, local officials may approve the appropriate assessment corrections and address qualifying taxes already paid or outstanding.
The legislation does not automatically eliminate the nonprofit’s tax liability. Rather, it removes a procedural obstacle that previously prevented the application from being considered.
That distinction is important: the state has authorized the review process, while the final eligibility determination remains with local officials.
A Local Issue Addressed in Albany
The legislation is an example of how state lawmakers can intervene when existing procedures prevent local officials from considering a specific request.
For DeStefano, who represents New York’s 3rd Assembly District, the measure adds to his record of legislation addressing individual issues within Suffolk County.
Although Chapter 248 became law in August, there has been no independently confirmed determination that Ministerios Sion has received the requested exemption.
The law nevertheless provides the organization with an opportunity to have its application reviewed under New York’s existing property-tax exemption requirements.