New York Assembly Bill A08338

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/13/25
• Refer: 5/13/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Authorizes Daniel Woolley to file for an accidental disability retirement.

Impact

Should the bill be enacted, it allows Woolley to receive financial support through the accidental disability retirement program, which may alleviate financial burdens associated with his medical condition. The passage of this legislation is expected to incur a past service cost estimated at approximately $86,900, which will be shared by both the State of New York and local employers participating in the retirement system. The financial implications raise considerations about future allocations within the budget for public safety retirement benefits.

Summary

A08338 is a bill that authorizes Daniel Woolley, a former police officer from Clarkstown, to file for an accidental disability retirement under New York's state and local police and fire retirement system. Woolley served from February 1991 until his retirement in February 2023 and was diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm shortly after his retirement. The bill allows him to apply for this type of retirement benefit, which is an exception to the usual retirement processes, provided he files a written request within a year of the bill's effective date.

Contention

While the bill seems to primarily address Woolley's individual needs, it could raise broader discussions around the retirement benefits available for public safety workers, particularly regarding accidental disability claims. Critics may argue that such special legislation benefits specific individuals and could disrupt the consistency of retirement policies. However, proponents would likely defend it as a necessary support mechanism for those who suffer debilitating conditions related to their service.