New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S07411

Introduced
4/15/25  

Caption

Authorizes Lt. Thomas Cleere to change his service credit from the improved career retirement plan to a 20 year retirement plan.

Impact

The bill poses notable implications for state laws governing retirement benefits, particularly illustrating how local governments manage police officer pensions. Should this bill pass, the Town of Seneca Falls is expected to bear an immediate one-time cost of approximately $188,000 for past service credits, in addition to an estimated $13,000 in increased annual contributions going forward. These financial obligations could strain the town’s budget and may lead to reevaluation of funding allocations for other local services or programs.

Summary

Bill S07411 is aimed at allowing Lieutenant Thomas Cleere of the Seneca Falls Police Department to shift his pension service credit from a career retirement plan to a twenty-year retirement plan as outlined in New York's Retirement and Social Security Law. This change is intended for officers affected through no fault of their own, ensuring they can benefit from the more favorable retirement options available under section 384-d of the law. It highlights the provision that the local government must assume the additional costs of this credit switch, thereby impacting municipal budgeting and fiscal planning.

Contention

While the bill primarily aims to support an individual officer, it raises broader questions about how retirement plans for public safety officials are managed and modified. Some may argue that though beneficial for Officer Cleere, this legislation creates a precedent for similar requests, which could lead to financial challenges for local governments statewide. Opponents could place emphasis on fiscal responsibility, positing that these types of adjustments to retirement plans require careful cost analysis to avoid imposing undue burdens on municipalities.

Companion Bills

NY A07893

Same As Authorizes Lt. Thomas Cleere to change his service credit from the improved career retirement plan to a 20 year retirement plan.

Previously Filed As

NY S08126

Authorizes Lt. Thomas Cleere to change his service credit from the improved career retirement plan to a 20 year retirement plan.

NY A09489

Authorizes Lt. Thomas Cleere to change his service credit from the improved career retirement plan to a 20 year retirement plan.

NY A10622

Authorizes the granting of retirement service credit in the optional twenty year retirement plan to Duane A. Palma for service as a correction officer at the Monroe county sheriff's office jail bureau.

NY S09879

Authorizes the granting of retirement service credit in the optional twenty year retirement plan to Duane A. Palma for service as a correction officer at the Monroe county sheriff's office jail bureau.

NY S08370

Authorizes Sgt. Bethany Kidd to receive certain service credit under a twenty year retirement plan for service with the Seneca Falls Police Department.

NY A09468

Authorizes Sgt. Bethany Kidd to receive certain service credit under a twenty year retirement plan for service with the Seneca Falls Police Department.

NY S08516

Authorizes Sergeant Angela Anderson to receive certain service credit under a twenty year retirement plan for service with the Seneca Falls Police Department.

NY A09471

Authorizes Sergeant Angela Anderson to receive certain service credit under a twenty year retirement plan for service with the Seneca Falls Police Department.

NY S04136

Relates to authorizing service credit for unpaid or reduced paid child care leave for members of the state police twenty year retirement plan.

NY A05164

Relates to authorizing service credit for unpaid or reduced paid child care leave for members of the state police twenty year retirement plan.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.