Relates to accidental disability retirement for deputy sheriffs; provides that deputy sheriffs shall receive a pension of three-quarters of their final average salary.
Impact
Should this bill be enacted, it will notably affect the overall retirement liabilities associated with the New York State and Local Employees' Retirement System (NYSLERS). The estimated increase in accrued liabilities would amount to approximately $3.14 million due to past service accruals of the affected members. These costs will be shared between the State of New York and participating local employers, which will initially impact their billing rates starting in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026. A slight increase will also apply to future service accruals, adding an additional 0.2% of salary to the annual billing rates for the members concerned.
Summary
Bill S08158 proposes an amendment to the retirement and social security law, specifically focusing on the retirement benefits for deputy sheriffs in New York. It aims to increase their pension from two-thirds to three-quarters of their final average salary upon accidental disability retirement. This change reflects a growing recognition of the unique and challenging nature of the job that deputy sheriffs undertake, emphasizing the need for adequate compensation in their retirement benefits in light of potential risks associated with their role.
Contention
The amendment represented by S08158 has the potential to evoke various opinions among stakeholders. Advocates for deputy sheriffs may argue that this pension increase is a long-overdue recognition of the risks associated with their duties and can contribute to improved retention and recruitment within the field. Conversely, some may view the financial implications on local and state budgets as excessive, potentially leading to fiscal strain. Concerns could also arise regarding the sustainability of these benefits as the state navigates its fiscal responsibilities.
Relates to accidental disability retirement for deputy sheriffs; provides that deputy sheriffs shall receive a pension of three-quarters of their final average salary.
Relates to accidental disability retirement for deputy sheriffs; provides that deputy sheriffs shall receive a pension of three-quarters of their final average salary.
Establishes disability retirement benefits for correction officers, correction supervisors, deputy sheriff patrols and deputy sheriff patrol supervisors who suffer any condition or impairment of health caused by methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or Staph/MRSA; provides that such disability benefits shall be three-quarters of a member's final average salary.