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New York Senate Bill S09276
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
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New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S09276

Introduced
2/23/26  
Refer
2/23/26  

Caption

Permits an eligible retirement system member to receive, in lieu of an ordinary death benefit, a death benefit such member would otherwise be entitled to receive provided such member is a state-paid judge or justice of the unified court system or a housing judge of the civil court of the city of New York.

Impact

This legislation modifies existing retirement laws to include these more favorable death benefits for judges and justices. The anticipated changes are expected to increase the annual contributions required from the state of New York by an estimated $310,000 starting in the financial year ending 2027. Additionally, there will be a one-time past service cost of $4.17 million, highlighting potential budgetary impacts across state financial planning. The amendment should be considered in the broader context of benefit adjustments within state employment policy to ensure appropriate compensation for public servants.

Summary

Bill S09276 aims to amend the retirement and social security law concerning death benefits for state-paid judges and justices, particularly highlighting the benefits that beneficiaries may receive in the case of the judge's or justice's death. Specifically, the bill allows beneficiaries to elect a death benefit equivalent to the pension reserve that would have been established if the judge or justice had retired on the date of their death or the value of the death benefit, whichever is greater. This measure is designed to provide more substantial financial support to the families of judges and justices upon their passing, recognizing the service these officials render to the state.

Contention

While the bill addresses a critical gap in the existing retirement benefits for judges and justices, it raises discussions about fiscal responsibility and the implications for the state pension system. Some may argue that the additional costs might strain budget allocations, and concerns could arise regarding the sustainability of increasing benefits in light of the state's overall fiscal health. As such, the bill has the potential to stir debate around state expenditure versus the obligation to adequately compensate those in public service roles, which may become a point of contention among lawmakers.

Latest NY S09276 Activity

View All Events: NY 2025-2026 Regular Session S09276

Companion Bills

NY A10355

Same As Permits an eligible retirement system member to receive, in lieu of an ordinary death benefit, a death benefit such member would otherwise be entitled to receive provided such member is a state-paid judge or justice of the unified court system or a housing judge of the civil court of the city of New York.

Previously Filed As

NY A10355

Permits an eligible retirement system member to receive, in lieu of an ordinary death benefit, a death benefit such member would otherwise be entitled to receive provided such member is a state-paid judge or justice of the unified court system or a housing judge of the civil court of the city of New York.

NY S05083

Permits an eligible retirement system member to receive, in lieu of an ordinary death benefit, a death benefit such member would otherwise be entitled to receive provided such member is a state-paid judge or justice of the unified court system or a housing judge of the civil court of the city of New York.

NY A05898

Permits an eligible retirement system member to receive, in lieu of an ordinary death benefit, a death benefit such member would otherwise be entitled to receive provided such member is a state-paid judge or justice of the unified court system or a housing judge of the civil court of the city of New York.

NY A07335

Relates to death benefits for members of the uniformed force of the New York city department of sanitation and members of the uniformed force of the New York city department of correction; establishes that the beneficiaries of a member who would have been entitled to a service retirement benefit at the time of such member's death may elect to receive, in a lump sum, an amount payable which shall be equal to the pension reserve that would have been established had the member retired on the date of such member's death, or the value of the death benefit and the reserve-for-increased-take-home-pay, if any, whichever is greater.

NY A10843

Allows a beneficiary of a member whose death occurs on or after July 1, 2026 and who would have been entitled to a service credit at the time of such member's death to elect to receive a lump sum payment equal to the pension reserve that would have been established had the member retired on the date of such member's death.

NY S06406

Allows a beneficiary of a member whose death occurs on or after July 1, 2026 and who would have been entitled to a service credit at the time of such member's death to elect to receive a lump sum payment equal to the pension reserve that would have been established had the member retired on the date of such member's death.

NY A10382

Authorizes a death benefit option for the beneficiary of deceased justice Jerry Garguilo, a justice of the unified court system.

NY S09138

Authorizes a death benefit option for the beneficiary of deceased justice Jerry Garguilo, a justice of the unified court system.

NY S10142

Provides that any person who has served as a state-paid judge or justice of a court of the unified court system or as a housing judge of the housing portion of the civil court of the city of New York, but who no longer holds any of such offices, may apply to be designated as a judicial hearing officer.

NY S07696

Provides that any person who has served as a state-paid judge or justice of a court of the unified court system or as a housing judge of the housing portion of the civil court of the city of New York, but who no longer holds any of such offices, may apply to be designated as a judicial hearing officer.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.