New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A10359

Introduced
3/2/26  

Caption

Provides for certain death benefits to correction officers, correction officer-sergeants, correction officer-captains, assistant wardens, associate wardens or wardens employed by Orange county.

Impact

The enactment of A10359 will lead to significant financial implications for Orange County, as it will increase their annual contributions to the retirement system by approximately $41,000 starting in the fiscal year ending 2027. Additionally, there will be a one-time past service cost of $537,000, which can be amortized over ten years if chosen. This move is intended to enhance the support provided to correction officers' families, thus addressing the risks associated with their profession and aligning benefits more closely with the level of service provided to the community.

Summary

Bill A10359, introduced in the New York Assembly, focuses on modifying the death benefits payable to certain correction officers employed by Orange County. Specifically, the bill establishes provisions for correction officers, correction officer-sergeants, correction officer-captains, assistant wardens, associate wardens, and wardens who are eligible for retirement benefits. The change proposes that upon the death of an eligible correction officer, their beneficiaries can opt for a lump sum payment equivalent to the pension reserve that would have been established had the officer retired at the time of their death, or the value of the death benefit available, whichever amount is greater.

Contention

While the bill has the potential to improve the financial security of correction officers' families, it may be met with scrutiny regarding its funding. The added financial burden on Orange County may raise concerns about taxpayer implications and force the county to reallocate funds or increase taxes. Discussions surrounding the bill could highlight differing opinions on the adequacy of existing benefits provided to law enforcement personnel and whether the new provisions adequately address the dangers faced by correction officers. The success of A10359 will ultimately depend on balancing the welfare of public servants with fiscal responsibility.

Companion Bills

NY S09213

Same As Provides for certain death benefits to correction officers, correction officer-sergeants, correction officer-captains, assistant wardens, associate wardens or wardens employed by Orange county.

Previously Filed As

NY S09213

Provides for certain death benefits to correction officers, correction officer-sergeants, correction officer-captains, assistant wardens, associate wardens or wardens employed by Orange county.

NY S05726

Provides for certain death benefits to correction officers, correction officer-sergeants, correction officer-captains, assistant wardens, associate wardens or wardens employed by Orange county.

NY A06756

Provides for certain death benefits to correction officers, correction officer-sergeants, correction officer-captains, assistant wardens, associate wardens or wardens employed by Orange county.

NY H0751

Law Enforcement, Correctional, and Correctional Probation Officer Benefits

NY S0862

Correctional Officers, Correctional Probation Officers, and Institutional Security Specialists

NY H0383

Purchase and Possession of Firearms by Law Enforcement Officers, Correctional Officers, Correctional Probation Officers, and Servicemembers

NY A03781

Relates to correctional facility visits by the correctional association; authorizes the correctional association to visit correctional facilities at any time and without advance notice; grants the correctional association access to certain records and information of correctional facilities.

NY S00651

Relates to correctional facility visits by the correctional association; authorizes the correctional association to visit correctional facilities at any time and without advance notice; grants the correctional association access to certain records and information of correctional facilities.

NY H2702

To protect correctional officers

NY S09020

Expands geographical boundaries for residency requirements of correction officers employed by local correction facilities of Rockland and Orange counties.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.