Authorizes Daniel Woolley to file for an accidental disability retirement.
The implications of this bill could set a precedent for similar applications for accidental disability retirement among other public service employees. By allowing Woolley to apply for a disability retirement on grounds that were not previously accessible to him under current law, the bill indirectly underscores the state’s recognition and support for the health challenges faced by retired police officers. Additionally, the fiscal note estimates that this could incur an immediate cost of approximately $86,900, split between the State of New York and local employers within the retirement system, which may raise concerns about the financial implications for the state budget and local municipalities.
Bill S07832 proposes to authorize Daniel Woolley, a former police officer in Clarkstown, to apply for an accidental disability retirement due to a diagnosis of an aortic aneurysm. The bill states that Woolley, who has been receiving a service retirement benefit since February 2023, could file a written request for this retirement within one year of the act's effective date. This provision is made under the Retirement and Social Security Law of New York State, specifically section 363.
While the bill is straightforward in intent, it may provoke discussions about the criteria for accidental disability retirement among law enforcement officers. Some stakeholders may argue about the conditions under which such disabilities are recognized and compensated, which might fuel debates about the broader implications this could have on the retirement benefits for public safety officers. Furthermore, there could be questions regarding the adequacy of existing support systems for those diagnosed with serious health issues post-retirement, which could impact the state’s policies in this area.