New York Assembly Bill A08645

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/22/25
• Refer: 5/22/25
• Report Pass: 6/17/25
• Refer: 6/17/25

Caption

Provides accidental disability retirement benefits for deputy sheriff Richard Stueber, a participant in World Trade Center rescue, recovery, and cleanup operations.

Impact

If enacted, this legislation will have a significant fiscal impact on Suffolk County, which is responsible for covering all costs associated with the implementation of the bill. The immediate cost is projected to be approximately $1.04 million, signifying a one-time payment necessary to cover the retroactive benefits. This bill aims to address the needs of public safety personnel who may suffer mental health issues as a result of their duties, influencing future considerations for similar cases of disability retirement among first responders.

Summary

Bill A08645 is centered on providing accidental disability retirement benefits to Stacie Stueber, the surviving spouse of Richard Stueber, a deputy sheriff who participated in the rescue and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center following the September 11 attacks. The bill mandates that Stacie Stueber is entitled to receive a disability benefit that amounts to 75% of her husband's final average salary, retroactive to his retirement date, due to Richard Stueber's incapacity resulting from mental illness linked to his service during the recovery operations at the World Trade Center.

Contention

Discussions surrounding Bill A08645 have highlighted issues regarding the adequacy of existing retirement benefits for public safety officers, particularly those who face unique risks and challenges associated with their service. While proponents argue for the necessity of such benefits to recognize the sacrifices made by those in emergency services, critics may question the sustainability of funding these benefits in the long term. The bill sets a precedent for how mental health-related disability claims are treated within the retirement systems for public employees, thus opening the door for broader discussions about mental health support for first responders.