New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A08444

Introduced
5/16/25  
Refer
5/16/25  

Caption

Relates to the establishment of a twenty-two and one-half year retirement program for members of the New York city employees' retirement system employed as emergency medical technicians and advanced emergency medical technicians and to the establishment of such program for such members who are subject to articles 11 and 15 of the retirement and social security law.

Impact

If passed, this legislation would shift retirement age and benefit structures for hundreds of EMTs in New York City. The financial implications of the bill include projected increases in employer contributions over the first 25 years, estimated at nearly $30 million in 2026 and gradually decreasing thereafter. Such adjustments are crucial as they aim to alleviate the strain on workers who often face high-stress situations. Furthermore, this bill is positioned to enhance job appeal for EMT positions, providing an incentive for long-term service and potentially improving the quality of emergency medical response in the city.

Summary

Bill A08444 proposes the establishment of a twenty-two and one-half year retirement program for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and advanced emergency medical technicians who are members of the New York City Employees Retirement System (NYCERS). This bill aims to enhance the retirement benefits for EMTs by allowing them to retire after 22.5 years of service with a pension calculated based on their final average salary (FAS). The bill outlines specific criteria for eligibility, including definitions of an EMT member and the conditions under which they may participate, thus addressing workforce retention and support for essential public service workers.

Contention

Debate surrounding Bill A08444 may focus on the economic ramifications of increasing retirement benefits for EMTs. Supporters argue that this bill acknowledges the unique challenges and risks associated with the occupation and thereby justifies enhanced retirement programs as essential for workforce sustainability. Conversely, opponents may raise concerns about the potential financial burden this could impose on city budgets, especially in an economic environment where funding for public services remains tight. The ongoing discussions highlight the importance of balancing public service needs with fiscal responsibility.

Companion Bills

NY S07916

Same As Relates to the establishment of a twenty-two and one-half year retirement program for members of the New York city employees' retirement system employed as emergency medical technicians and advanced emergency medical technicians and to the establishment of such program for such members who are subject to articles 11 and 15 of the retirement and social security law.

Previously Filed As

NY S07916

Relates to the establishment of a twenty-two and one-half year retirement program for members of the New York city employees' retirement system employed as emergency medical technicians and advanced emergency medical technicians and to the establishment of such program for such members who are subject to articles 11 and 15 of the retirement and social security law.

NY A08942

Provides for retirement credit to emergency medical technicians and advanced emergency medical technicians for a child care leave of absence.

NY S08111

Provides for retirement credit to emergency medical technicians and advanced emergency medical technicians for a child care leave of absence.

NY A10579

Provides for eligibility of certain participants in the New York City employees retirement system to opt into the twenty-five year retirement program for EMT members.

NY S09378

Provides for eligibility of certain participants in the New York City employees retirement system to opt into the twenty-five year retirement program for EMT members.

NY A10847

Authorizes the transfer of memberships for certain members of the New York state and local police and fire retirement system who previously held a membership with the New York state and local employees' retirement system back to such retirement system.

NY S08143

Provides for the refund of additional member contributions of persons who cease to be members of the age fifty-seven retirement program for certain New York city members because they have become members of the twenty-five year retirement program for EMTs.

NY S06554

Provides for benefits for certain emergency medical technicians or advanced emergency medical technicians in the city of New York who suffer any condition or impairment of health caused by a stroke resulting in disability or death.

NY S08141

Modifies the definition of additional member contributions and basic member contributions for certain New York city employees' retirement system members who are subject to the twenty-five year retirement program for fire protection inspector members under Article 15 of the retirement and social security law, to allow such additional member contributions to be used to offset a deficit of basic member contributions, or to allow an excess of basic member contributions to offset a deficit of additional member contributions.

NY A08674

Establishes a twenty-five year retirement program for members of the NYC employees' retirement system employed as water supply police; provides for employer pick-up of certain additional member contributions required to be made by certain participants in the 25-year retirement programs.

Similar Bills

HI HB72

Relating To Pharmacy.

SC H5066

Central Service Technicians

NJ A3395

Revises law related to EMT eligibility for receiving funds from "Emergency Medical Technician Training Fund."

NJ S1515

Revises law related to EMT eligibility for receiving funds from "Emergency Medical Technician Training Fund."

NJ A4450

Amends law related to EMT eligibility for receiving funds from "Emergency Medical Technician Training Fund."

NJ S4070

Amends law related to EMT eligibility for receiving funds from "Emergency Medical Technician Training Fund."

OK HB1585

Pharmacy technicians; training guidelines; training skills; on-the-job training; effective date.

OK HB1585

Pharmacy technicians; training guidelines; training skills; on-the-job training; effective date.