Authorizes members or officers of the state police who were previously firefighters receive credit for such previous firefighter service for the purposes of retirement.
Impact
The financial implications of Bill S07986 include a one-time past service cost of approximately $2.32 million to be borne by the State of New York. This payment is assumed to occur on March 1, 2027. Over time, the bill will also lead to a marginal increase in the state's annual contributions starting in the fiscal year ending 2027. This cost estimation is based on the analysis of nine affected members who collectively had an annual salary of roughly $1.6 million as per the data available on March 31, 2025.
Summary
Bill S07986 aims to amend the retirement and social security law in New York by allowing members or officers of the state police who were previously firefighters to count their firefighter service towards their retirement plans. This change addresses a gap in the current system where state troopers do not presently receive credit for their time served as firefighters. The proposed amendments to section 381-b of the retirement law will enable such troopers to receive full credit for their previous service, thus enhancing their pension benefits.
Contention
While the bill appears to have support among many legislators due to its potential to benefit those who have both firefighter and police service backgrounds, there will likely be discussions regarding the fiscal impact on the state's budget. Critics may argue about the appropriateness of the additional financial burden amid existing state obligations and priorities. Moreover, the debate may revolve around the fairness of providing such credits compared to other public service employees who might not enjoy similar benefits.
Same As
Authorizes members or officers of the state police who were previously firefighters receive credit for such previous firefighter service for the purposes of retirement.
Authorizes members or officers of the state police who were previously firefighters receive credit for such previous firefighter service for the purposes of retirement.
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.
Enacts the "building recruitment and incentives for dedicated government employees (BRIDGE) act" which provides a service credit for members who were previously employed by the federal government.
Enacts the "building recruitment and incentives for dedicated government employees (BRIDGE) act" which provides a service credit for members who were previously employed by the federal government.
Grants retirement service credit in the New York state and local retirement system to Jeffrey M. Hogan for service as a Utica firefighter from 3/24/2007 -- 1/3/2013.
Grants retirement service credit in the New York state and local retirement system to Jeffrey M. Hogan for service as a Utica firefighter from 3/24/2007 -- 1/3/2013.