New York Assembly Bill A08865

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/9/25
• Refer: 6/9/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Provides earnings limitations for retired police officers employed part-time by municipalities with a population of less than 7,500; permits such officer to work up to five hundred twenty hours in any consecutive six-month period, with no suspension or diminution of retirement allowance; establishes villages or towns shall report such hours and salary earned on a monthly basis and shall contribute a percentage of the officer's excess earnings to the New York state and local police and fire retirement system.

Impact

If enacted, this bill could significantly alter the operational landscape for small municipalities struggling to maintain adequate law enforcement personnel due to challenges in hiring new talent. By enabling retired officers to return to the workforce under the specified terms, towns and villages could bolster their law enforcement capabilities while leveraging the experience of seasoned officers. This reform aims to address shortages in small police departments in an efficient manner, thereby enhancing community safety and service.

Summary

Bill A08865 proposes an amendment to the retirement and social security law, specifically regarding the earnings limitations imposed on retired police officers employed part-time by municipalities with populations less than 7,500. Under this bill, retired officers who have served for 20 years or more would be exempt from these earnings limitations, allowing them to work up to 520 hours within any consecutive six-month period without a suspension of their retirement allowance. The municipalities would be required to report the hours worked and salaries earned by these officers monthly to ensure compliance with the new regulations.

Contention

Arguments surrounding A08865 center on the balance between providing opportunities for retired officers and the potential financial implications for municipalities and the state pension system. Supporters argue that allowing retirees to contribute part-time would strengthen local law enforcement agencies, while critics express concerns about the fiscal responsibilities imposed on municipalities for employer contributions based on the salaries of rehired officers. Additionally, there are apprehensions about the adequacy of oversight regarding the total number of hours retired officers may work and the overall impact on the pension system, particularly for future financial sustainability.