New York Assembly Bill A08874

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/9/25
• Refer: 6/9/25

Caption

Authorizes certain persons to file an application with the New York state and local police and fire retirement system and deem such application as timely filed if the expiration for filing occurred during the state of emergency caused due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Impact

The proposed legislation will allow a specific group of retirees—those who may have missed application deadlines due to the pandemic—to have their applications deemed timely if filed within one year of the bill's effective date. This provision aims to streamline the process for accessing benefits under section 363-d of the Retirement and Social Security Law (RSSL). Importantly, this act underscores the state’s response to the unprecedented circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, recognizing the need for flexibility regarding retirement filings.

Summary

Bill A08874 enables certain retired members of the New York state and local police and fire retirement system, and their surviving spouses, to submit applications for accidental disability retirement. The bill specifically addresses applications where the original filing deadline expired during the COVID-19 state disaster emergency period declared due to the pandemic. It aims to mitigate the impacts of the emergency on these individuals, facilitating their access to benefits that may have been otherwise unattainable within the normal filing period.

Contention

While Bill A08874 has its supporters due to its aim of aiding retired first responders during a national crisis, it may also raise some concerns regarding its fiscal implications. The costs incurred by the state for these applications will be significant, particularly if a notable number of retirees or their spouses decide to file under this new provision. Questions may arise about how the state will sustain these costs, and whether such measures could set a precedent for future applications or reforms in retirement benefit systems.