New York Senate Bill S07817

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/9/25
• Refer: 5/9/25
• Engrossed: 6/12/25
• Refer: 6/12/25

Caption

Authorizes Janice Middlebrooks, the widow of William James Middlebrooks, to file a retirement option election on behalf of her deceased husband.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will notably alter the administrative procedures regarding retirement options for state employees and their beneficiaries. Specifically, it allows the widow to submit a retroactive election for benefits, which could set a precedent for similar cases in the future. The bill is expected to incur an immediate past service cost of approximately $472,000, which will be shared by the State of New York and local employers participating in the New York State and Local Employees' Retirement System (NYSLERS). This financial implication highlights the fiscal responsibilities associated with adjusting retirement benefits after the death of a beneficiary.

Summary

Bill S07817 aims to provide specific retirement benefits to Janice Middlebrooks, the widow of William James Middlebrooks, who was an employee of the Albion Correctional Facility. The legislation permits her to file a retirement option election form on behalf of her deceased husband. This case is particularly significant as Mr. Middlebrooks was diagnosed with cancer in 2004 and died before he could submit the required documentation for retirement. The bill also stipulates that his application for disability retirement shall be considered effective as of November 1, 2004.

Contention

The primary contention surrounding Bill S07817 relates to its financial implications and the potential precedent it may set for other similar cases. While advocates might support the bill as a necessary step to ensure that families of deceased state employees receive their rightful benefits, critics may raise concerns about the impact on retirement fund sustainability and how it affects other beneficiaries who may similarly seek redress for late submissions of retirement documentation. There may also be discussions on whether this is a unique case or part of a broader issue concerning employee rights and benefits administration.