Authorizes Frank Smith, a New York city police detective, to receive accidental performance of duty disability retirement benefits for illness suffered as a result of exposure to disease during undercover assignments as a member of the police department of the city of New York.
If enacted, S07759 will modify the existing pension framework for police officers in New York City, enabling reclassification of retirement benefits based on the nature of duty risks faced by officers. This could set a precedent for similar cases within the police department, where officers suffering from work-related illnesses seek to have their cases re-evaluated. The bill includes specific provisions that the allocated costs for increased benefits will be shared equally among all relevant public retirement systems, indicating a collaborative approach among the pension funds.
Bill S07759 proposes to authorize Frank R. Smith, a retired New York City police officer, to receive accidental performance of duty disability retirement benefits due to illnesses incurred from exposure to diseases while performing undercover duties. This legislation seeks to retroactively amend Smith's retirement status from Ordinary Disability Retirement to Accident Disability Retirement, which would significantly increase his annual pension benefits from $68,600 to $113,847. The aim of this bill is to acknowledge and compensate police officers for health challenges that arise directly from their service in a hazardous environment.
The potential for increased financial obligations imposed on the city’s pension funds has raised concerns. Critics of the bill may argue that such measures could lead to a heavier burden on taxpayers while also paving the way for other officers to file for similar adjustments retroactively, which could exacerbate the strain on city finances. Advocates, however, view this as a necessary acknowledgment of the risks that come with police work, arguing that workers should receive appropriate support and compensation for service-related health issues.