New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A08324

Introduced
5/13/25  
Refer
5/13/25  
Report Pass
6/16/25  
Refer
6/16/25  

Caption

Provides a heart disease presumption for members employed as a probation officer, supervising probation officer or probation officer trainee of a department of probation in a city with a population of one million or more.

Impact

This bill is expected to impact the retirement benefits of Tier 4 and Tier 6 members of the New York City Employees' Retirement System (NYCERS) specifically. Under the proposed law, eligible individuals would receive a performance of duty disability retirement benefit equal to 75% of their final average salary without a reduction for workers' compensation. Additionally, the bill aims to increase the ordinary death benefit from a flat sum to a lifetime benefit for beneficiaries of members who qualify under this presumption, thus enhancing financial security for families of affected officers.

Summary

Bill A08324 proposes to amend the retirement and social security law to provide a heart disease presumption for probation officers, supervising probation officers, and probation officer trainees employed in cities with populations exceeding one million. This legislation aims to establish a rebuttable statutory presumption that any heart disease-related disability incurred is considered to be in the line of duty, provided the affected person successfully passed a physical examination upon entry into service. The bill seeks to address health concerns common among those in law enforcement and probation roles, acknowledging the unique challenges they face.

Contention

During discussions surrounding A08324, concerns were raised regarding the financial implications of the bill. Critics argue that the presumption of heart disease linked to employment could lead to an increase in claims that may strain the retirement fund. Proponents, however, contend that the physical and emotional toll of probation officer duties justifies the need for these enhancements to retirement benefits, as they face considerable stress in their roles which contribute to health risks.

Fiscal_note

The bill specifies that all past service costs associated with these changes will be borne by the City of New York. It is expected that, while the financial impact on the retirement system will vary year to year depending on the number of claims, the overall fiscal note outlines a significant responsibility for the city as it adjusts to accommodate these new presumptive benefits.

Companion Bills

NY S07148

Same As Provides a heart disease presumption for members employed as a probation officer, supervising probation officer or probation officer trainee of a department of probation in a city with a population of one million or more.

Previously Filed As

NY A10149

Provides a heart disease presumption for members employed as a probation officer, supervising probation officer or probation officer trainee of a department of probation in a city with a population of one million or more.

NY S08945

Provides a heart disease presumption for members employed as a probation officer, supervising probation officer or probation officer trainee of a department of probation in a city with a population of one million or more.

NY S07148

Provides a heart disease presumption for members employed as a probation officer, supervising probation officer or probation officer trainee of a department of probation in a city with a population of one million or more.

NY LB404

Authorize the court to extend the term of probation on joint application of the probation officer and the probationer

NY LB488

Require a peace officer to assume custody of a probationer or temporary custody of a juvenile upon request by a probation officer

NY S1259

Amends existing law to authorize juvenile probation officers to arrest a juvenile probationer without a warrant for probation violations in certain instances.

NY HB3498

Allows a law enforcement officer to arrest a parolee or probationer without a warrant in certain circumstances and requires conditions and terms of probation or parole to be recorded in MULES

NY S08837

Provides optional disability coverage for county probation officers.

NY HB516

AN ACT relating to retirement benefits for probationary employment.

NY LD2090

An Act to Modify Probationary Periods for Dispatchers

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.