COURTESY OF MONSEY SCOOP
In a historic moment for Rockland County, county leaders have sent a clear message: new business is welcome.
Following a bipartisan vote Tuesday night, the Rockland County Legislature officially approved sweeping amendments to its controversial Home Improvement Law, aligning it more closely with the model used in Westchester County and marking a major shift in how business will be conducted across the county.
The measure passed overwhelmingly, 14–1, with two legislators absent. The lone opposing vote came from Republican Rockland County Legislator Thomas Diviny, while the rest of the body backed the sweeping reforms.
The vote represents the culmination of nearly two years of effort, driven by collaboration between lawmakers and private-sector community activists who set out to modernize outdated regulations, encourage economic growth, and ensure a smoother, more practical process for both businesses and homeowners.
What began with a series of meetings involving local business owners, coordinated by the Rockland Jewish Alliance, quickly grew into a full-scale initiative to overhaul the system. Leading that effort was Assemblymember Aron Wieder, who, during his time as a county legislator, launched a mission to reshape consumer protection laws so they would better reflect their original purpose: protecting residents without stifling opportunity.
The effort ultimately became a broad bipartisan push, with key contributions from community activist Yehuda Zorger, Rockland County Legislator Joel Friedman, Rockland County Legislator Itamar Yeger, Assemblymember Aron Wieder, Ramapo Democratic Chairman Mona Montal, and numerous other local activists and elected officials who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring the measure to the finish line.
The newly adopted reforms introduce several significant changes:
The Consumer Protection Board will now serve in an advisory capacity only, restoring it to its intended role.
A new “Manager” category has been created, allowing homeowners to hire subcontractors directly while appointing a representative to oversee projects — a move expected to save residents tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Requirements for decals on personal vehicles have been eliminated, easing financial burdens on small business owners.
In addition, the overall home improvement licensing process in Rockland has been streamlined and brought in line with the more efficient system currently used in Westchester County.
Supporters say the changes will remove unnecessary red tape, legalize and regulate previously unlicensed operations, and create a more business-friendly environment, all while maintaining meaningful consumer protections.
With the legislation now passed, many are calling this a turning point for Rockland County, one that signals a new day, a new dawn, and a renewed commitment to economic growth, fairness, and opportunity for all