New York Senate Bill S07973

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/15/25
• Refer: 5/15/25
• Report Pass: 5/27/25

Caption

Provides earnings limitations for retired police officers employed part-time by municipalities with a population of less than 7,500; permits such officer to work up to five hundred twenty hours in any consecutive six-month period, with no suspension or diminution of retirement allowance; establishes villages or towns shall report such hours and salary earned on a monthly basis and shall contribute a percentage of the officer's excess earnings to the New York state and local police and fire retirement system.

Impact

If passed, this bill would alleviate previous restrictions which impose a $35,000 earnings cap on retirees returning to work in law enforcement roles. The fiscal implications point to potential increased costs for local municipalities that opt to employ these part-time officers, as they will be required to report the officer's earnings and pay corresponding contributions to the police and fire retirement system for any earnings exceeding the post-retirement limit.

Summary

Bill S07973 aims to amend the Retirement and Social Security Law in New York to facilitate the reemployment of retired police officers on a part-time basis. Specifically, it targets retired officers with at least 20 years of service who are looking to work in villages or towns with populations under 7,500. The legislation will allow these retirees to work up to 520 hours in any consecutive six-month period without facing a suspension or reduction of their retirement benefits.

Contention

Support and opposition for S07973 are likely to stem from differing views on public sector employment and the sustainability of retirement systems. Advocates argue that the bill assists small towns facing staffing shortages by leveraging experienced officers while opponents may argue it undermines the intent of public pension systems meant to support full retirement for its beneficiaries. The bill invites concern over potential increased financial burdens on taxpayers in these municipalities and impacts on the overall management of retirement funds, particularly if a significant number of retirees are rehired.