Relates to accidental disability retirement for sheriffs; provides that sheriffs shall receive a pension of three-quarters of their final average salary.
Impact
If enacted, A09605 is projected to increase the accidental disability retirement benefits for approximately 3,116 affected member deputies, leading to an estimated fiscal impact of around $5.6 million. This adjustment will require participating employers in the New York State and Local Employees' Retirement System (NYSLERS) to increase their contributions by a small percentage of the billable salary, amounting to approximately $280,000 for the state and $420,000 for local employers. As a result, this bill presents a significant fiscal change for both state and local budgets, impacting how retirement benefits for sheriffs are financed.
Summary
Bill A09605 seeks to amend the retirement and social security law specifically regarding accidental disability retirement benefits for deputy sheriffs in New York. This proposed legislation would increase the pension benefit for eligible deputy sheriffs from its current rate of two-thirds of final average salary (FAS) to three-quarters of FAS. The intention behind this change is to provide enhanced financial support to deputy sheriffs who may sustain disabilities while performing their duties, thereby recognizing the heightened risks associated with their positions.
Contention
Discussions around this bill may highlight points of contention regarding the sustainability of increased pensions and whether such fiscal policies are feasible in the broader context of state finances. Moreover, there may be debates about the appropriate level of benefits for public safety officials and the balance of funding between operational budgets and employee benefits. Advocates for law enforcement may support the bill, emphasizing the necessity for fair compensation for the inherent risks of the job, while fiscal conservatives might raise concerns about the long-term financial implications of expanding pension benefits.
Same As
Relates to accidental disability retirement for sheriffs; provides that sheriffs shall receive a pension of three-quarters of their final average salary.
Relates to accidental disability retirement for sheriffs; provides that sheriffs shall receive a pension of three-quarters of their final average salary.
Provides that a member with credited service in excess of twenty-five years shall receive an additional retirement allowance equal to one-sixtieth of such member's final average salary for each year of creditable service in excess of twenty-five years; makes related provisions.
Provides that members of the New York city teachers' retirement system with an active membership at the time, who participated in World Trade Center rescue, recovery or cleanup operations, and who are determined to have incurred a qualifying condition, be paid a duty disability retirement allowance equal to three-quarters of final average salary.
Provides accidental disability retirement benefits for deputy sheriff Richard Stueber, a participant in World Trade Center rescue, recovery, and cleanup operations.
Provides accidental disability retirement benefits for deputy sheriff Richard Stueber, a participant in World Trade Center rescue, recovery, and cleanup operations.