New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S07397

Introduced
4/14/25  
Refer
4/14/25  
Engrossed
6/12/25  

Caption

Authorizes Liliana Fernandez-Clemente, the widow of Daniel Clemente, to file a new service retirement application and option election form with the New York state and local employees' retirement system on behalf of such deceased member.

Impact

This legislation seeks to modify existing retirement laws to ensure that widows like Liliana Fernandez-Clemente can still obtain the retirement benefits of their deceased spouses. One of the key terms of the bill outlines that any ordinary death benefits received by the retirement system prior to the approval of the new retirement application will be deducted from future retirement benefits provided under this bill. This approach addresses both the widow's access to retirement benefits and the financial implications for the retirement system.

Summary

Bill S07397, introduced by Senator Skoufis, aims to ensure that Liliana Fernandez-Clemente, the widow of Daniel Clemente, can file a new service retirement application on behalf of her deceased husband, who was a member of the New York State and Local Employees' Retirement System (NYSLERS). The bill allows her to proceed with this application despite his passing, which occurred after he started the filing paperwork but before reaching the retirement date. The bill stipulates that Daniel Clemente's retirement date will be set as December 8, 2024, right before his death.

Contention

While the bill is straightforward, there may be underlying concerns regarding the long-term financial responsibilities placed on the New York State government as a result of the one-time cost associated with this legislation. The projected immediate past service cost is estimated to be around $634,000, which the state will shoulder. Such costs could evoke debates about the sustainability of funding retirement benefits, particularly as the New York State Retirement System seeks to remain financially viable amid changing demographic and economic factors.

Companion Bills

NY A07571

Same As Authorizes Liliana Fernandez-Clemente, the widow of Daniel Clemente, to file a new service retirement application and option election form with the New York state and local employees' retirement system on behalf of such deceased member.

Previously Filed As

NY A10558

Authorizes Judy A. Lynch, the widow of James G. Lynch, to file a new service retirement application and an option election form on behalf of her deceased husband with the New York state and local employees' retirement system.

NY S09631

Authorizes Michael Winston Hoard, the widower of Kathy Marie Dwyer-Hoard, to file a new service retirement application and an option election form on behalf of his deceased wife with the New York state and local employees' retirement system.

NY A10546

Authorizes Michael Winston Hoard, the widower of Kathy Marie Dwyer-Hoard, to file a new service retirement application and an option election form on behalf of his deceased wife with the New York state and local employees' retirement system.

NY A10480

Authorizes Tracy K. McMahon-Jenkins, the widow of Aloysius F. McMahon, to file a new service retirement application and an option election form on behalf of her deceased husband with the New York state and local employees' retirement system.

NY A06534

Authorizes Susan Gillinder, the widow of Robert C. Ritchie, to file a new service retirement application and an option election form on behalf of her deceased husband with the New York state and local employees' retirement system.

NY S06553

Authorizes Susan Gillinder, the widow of Robert C. Ritchie, to file a new service retirement application and an option election form on behalf of her deceased husband with the New York state and local employees' retirement system.

NY S06751

Authorizes the widow of Gerald J. Sullivan to file an application with the New York state and local police and fire retirement system on behalf of such deceased member and deem such application as timely filed.

NY A06914

Authorizes the widow of Gerald J. Sullivan to file an application with the New York state and local police and fire retirement system on behalf of such deceased member and deem such application as timely filed.

NY S07139

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.

NY A07480

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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.