New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S08945

Introduced
1/20/26  

Caption

Provides a heart disease presumption for members employed as a probation officer, supervising probation officer or probation officer trainee of a department of probation in a city with a population of one million or more.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would provide a rebuttable statutory presumption that any qualifying heart disease disability or death for eligible probation officers is incurred in the line of duty. The proposed legislation stipulates that those officers who retire due to such conditions will receive a performance of duty disability benefit amounting to 75% of their Final Average Salary (FAS). This change is intended to provide financial security and recognition of the health risks inherent in the roles of probation officers.

Summary

Bill S08945, aims to amend the retirement and social security law in New York, specifically addressing the provisions for probation officers, supervising probation officers, and probation officer trainees employed in cities with a population of one million or more. The central feature of the bill is to create a presumption that any heart disease incurred by these officers is a result of their duties performed, simplifying the process for claiming disability or death benefits related to heart disease.

Contention

Notably, the proposal may spark debate around issues of financial responsibility for the city, as all past service costs associated with implementing this measure will fall on New York City. There may also be concern regarding the long-term fiscal implications of the increased liability on pension funds and the actuarial assessments associated with projected future costs. Critics may argue about the practicality and fairness of presuming heart disease as a work-related condition and its effects on insurance and workers' compensation systems.

Financial_overview

The fiscal note accompanying the bill indicates potential increases in employer contributions, which would be attributable to both disability and death benefits. The complexity of the financial impacts encompasses actuarial assumptions about the number of members who will benefit from the legislation, as well as demographic variations such as age, service length, and salary history. Thus, while the bill aims to support a vulnerable workforce, it brings forth significant financial discussions regarding pension sustainability and city budgeting.

Companion Bills

NY A10149

Same As Provides a heart disease presumption for members employed as a probation officer, supervising probation officer or probation officer trainee of a department of probation in a city with a population of one million or more.

Previously Filed As

NY A08324

Provides a heart disease presumption for members employed as a probation officer, supervising probation officer or probation officer trainee of a department of probation in a city with a population of one million or more.

NY A10149

Provides a heart disease presumption for members employed as a probation officer, supervising probation officer or probation officer trainee of a department of probation in a city with a population of one million or more.

NY S07148

Provides a heart disease presumption for members employed as a probation officer, supervising probation officer or probation officer trainee of a department of probation in a city with a population of one million or more.

NY LB404

Authorize the court to extend the term of probation on joint application of the probation officer and the probationer

NY LB488

Require a peace officer to assume custody of a probationer or temporary custody of a juvenile upon request by a probation officer

NY S1259

Amends existing law to authorize juvenile probation officers to arrest a juvenile probationer without a warrant for probation violations in certain instances.

NY HB3498

Allows a law enforcement officer to arrest a parolee or probationer without a warrant in certain circumstances and requires conditions and terms of probation or parole to be recorded in MULES

NY HB516

AN ACT relating to retirement benefits for probationary employment.

NY LD2090

An Act to Modify Probationary Periods for Dispatchers

NY SB217

Establish work time credit for probationers and parolees

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.