New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S07986

Introduced
5/15/25  
Refer
5/15/25  

Caption

Authorizes members or officers of the state police who were previously firefighters receive credit for such previous firefighter service for the purposes of retirement.

Impact

The proposed bill is expected to have financial implications for the state of New York, with an anticipated one-time past service cost of approximately $2 million. This cost will be borne by the state, as it accounts for the adjustments in retirement benefits for the affected members. This financial consideration could influence future budget allocations, but it is noted that the bill will not lead to an increase in future annual contributions for the state, providing some fiscal certainty moving forward.

Summary

Bill S07986 introduces amendments to the Retirement and Social Security Law that allow members or officers of the state police, who have previously served as firefighters, to count their firefighter service towards their retirement calculations. This bill aims to recognize the dual career paths of these public servants and provide them with equitable retirement benefits reflective of their total years of service. The explicit inclusion of previous firefighter service into retirement calculations signifies a move towards providing comprehensive recognition for those who have dedicated their careers to varied public safety roles.

Contention

While the bill may largely be supported due to its benefits for the state police officers transitioning from firefighting roles, it could also evoke discussions around equity and fairness within state pension systems. Possible contention points include concerns from other public service sectors about whether similar provisions could or should apply to their respective services, thereby fostering a debate on how to fairly manage retirement benefits among a diverse workforce dedicated to public service.

Companion Bills

NY A08350

Same As Authorizes members or officers of the state police who were previously firefighters receive credit for such previous firefighter service for the purposes of retirement.

Previously Filed As

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.

NY S04218

Repeals the provision of law that volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers who receive a real property tax exemption for service may not receive the income tax credit for such service.

NY A04728

Repeals the provision of law that volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers who receive a real property tax exemption for service may not receive the income tax credit for such service.

NY A06274

Repeals the provision of law that volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers who receive a real property tax exemption for service may not receive the income tax credit for such service.

NY S06630

Repeals the provision of law that volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers who receive a real property tax exemption for service may not receive the income tax credit for such service.

NY S07658

Waives the registration fee and service charge for distinctive plates for volunteer firefighters and members of volunteer ambulance services where the applicant has attended twenty-five percent or more of the emergency calls for the previous year.

NY A09803

Waives the registration fee and service charge for distinctive plates for volunteer firefighters and members of volunteer ambulance services where the applicant has attended twenty-five percent or more of the emergency calls for the previous year.

NY S04841

Creates a jobs development incentive income tax credit available to employers who employ individuals previously receiving unemployment.

NY A04719

Authorizes Michael V. Layman to receive state police retirement credit for services performed as a SUNY police officer.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.