Tenants of senior housing centers are calling for the Nassau County Legislature to consider a resolution that would make backup generators mandatory in their buildings.

The tenants staged a "die-in" Thursday on the steps of the county Legislature building in Mineola as a way to draw attention to their cause.

Hempstead residents say extended power failures have put senior citizens and the disabled at risk due to medical needs and the lack of air conditioning on hot summer days.

Legislature officials told News 12 Long Island that the county has no authority in mandating generators.

"This proposal, though well-intentioned, has been determined by the county attorney to be beyond the jurisdiction or authority of Nassau County and unenforceable as a matter of law," officials released in a statement. "We have forwarded this proposal to Hempstead Village and the Town of North Hempstead for their consideration."

News 12 reached out to the spokespersons for the Village of Hempstead and the Town of North Hempstead, but have not heard back.