New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S06956

Introduced
3/27/25  
Refer
3/27/25  
Report Pass
4/8/25  
Engrossed
6/13/25  

Caption

Relates to increasing the earnings limitation for positions of public service; increases the earnings limitation from $35,000 to $50,000 in 2025 and thereafter.

Impact

The implications of this bill extend into the financial landscape of New York's retirement systems. The bill is projected to have a major fiscal impact, with an annual estimated cost of approximately $91.2 million to the state's Teacher's Retirement System. This change could lead to shifts in retirement patterns; more members may choose to retire earlier than they otherwise would. While this may benefit individuals looking to supplement their income, it also potentially increases the plan costs for the retirement systems as members will receive their benefits over a longer duration.

Summary

Bill S06956 aims to amend the current retirement and social security law by increasing the earnings limitations for retired persons in public service positions. Specifically, it proposes to raise the threshold from $35,000 to $50,000 starting from the year 2025. This change is significant as it allows retired individuals who return to public employment to retain their full retirement benefits while earning additional income within this updated limit. Currently, retirees over the age of 65 are exempt from any earnings limitation, further influencing retirement dynamics within the public sector.

Contention

Discussion around S06956 raised concerns among different stakeholders regarding how the increase in post-retirement earnings limits could affect overall pension sustainability. Supporters of the bill argue that lifting the earnings cap will encourage more retirees to re-enter the workforce, thereby benefitting public service sectors facing labor shortages. Conversely, opponents worry that this could create a financial strain on pension systems if a significant number of retirees opt to return to work, leading to an increase in costs associated with pension payouts.

Fiscal_note

The fiscal implications outlined in the bill highlight the costs associated with allowing retirees to earn more without reducing their benefits. This includes projected increases in employer contributions as multiple factors can come into play, especially if shifts in retirement behavior are observed. The estimation suggests a careful consideration of these costs will be necessary for balancing the benefits to retirees with the funding capabilities of the respective retirement systems.

Companion Bills

NY A08720

Same As Relates to increasing the earnings limitation for positions of public service; increases the earnings limitation from $35,000 to $50,000 in 2025 and thereafter.

Previously Filed As

NY S03144

Relates to increasing the earnings limitation for positions of public service; increases the earnings limitation from $35,000 to $50,000 in 2024 and thereafter.

NY A06419

Relates to increasing the earnings limitation for positions of public service; increases the earnings limitation from $35,000 to $50,000 in 2024 and thereafter.

NY A06149

Eliminates earning limitations for retired persons in positions of public service from 2023 forward.

NY S04124

Increases the amount of money a public retirement system retiree may earn in a position of public service in the year 2024 and thereafter to $50,000.

NY A09606

Increases the amount of money a public retirement system retiree may earn in a position of public service in the year 2024 and thereafter to $100,000.

NY A03753

Relates to waiving the earning limitations for retired sworn officers employed by a district attorney as investigators.

NY S04819

Relates to waiving the earning limitations for retired sworn officers employed by a district attorney as investigators.

NY S00615

Relates to contribution and receipt limitations applicable to candidates for election to any public office.

NY A02556

Relates to contribution and receipt limitations applicable to candidates for election to any public office.

NY S02541

Relates to limitations on the processing and approval of applications seeking licensure of a licensed home care services agency.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.