New York Assembly Bill A08218

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/5/25
• Refer: 5/5/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Relates to the calculation of past service credit for members in the title of deputy sheriff who provided police protection or correction officer service transferring between the New York state and local employees' retirement system to the New York state and local police and fire retirement system.

Impact

The implementation of A08218 would allow deputy sheriffs who have transferred to the NYSLPFRS to receive a determination of the amount of service credit applicable to their retirement plans. The proposed changes mean that eligible members who have served at least one year and opt into the amended provisions can fully leverage their time served in deputy sheriff roles. This represents a significant enhancement to the benefits they would otherwise receive, aligning them more closely with the retirement benefits of their counterparts in the police and fire services.

Summary

Bill A08218 aims to amend the retirement and social security law in New York to enhance the program for deputy sheriffs and correction officers transitioning between the state and local retirement systems. Specifically, it seeks to establish a clearer process for calculating past service credit when these members transfer from the New York State and Local Employees' Retirement System (NYSLERS) to the New York State and Local Police and Fire Retirement System (NYSLPFRS). This amendment is intended to assist these members by providing recognition of their service in law enforcement roles, ultimately aiding in their retirement benefits.

Contention

While the bill holds potential benefits for those in law enforcement, it may face scrutiny over fiscal implications. Concerns about increased costs for the participating employers in the NYSLPFRS are prevalent, as the additional service credits would be shared among them. Financial estimates suggest that the expansion of benefits could lead to average past service costs reaching up to 25% of an affected member's compensation for each year of additional service credit granted. This aspect might provoke debate, particularly among fiscal conservatives wary of expanding retirement benefits without clear funding strategies.