New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S08087

Introduced
5/15/25  
Refer
5/15/25  
Report Pass
5/27/25  
Engrossed
6/13/25  
Refer
6/13/25  

Caption

Relates to the definition of overtime ceiling for members who first become members of a public retirement system of the state on or after April first, two thousand twelve.

Impact

The amendment is expected to significantly affect the retirement benefits for participants in the Tier 6 New York City Transit Authority (NYCTA) retirement plan, particularly those subject to the 25-Year and Age 55 Retirement Program, informally known as the 55/25 Plan. Removing the overtime ceiling means that these members' average salaries, which are computed based on their overtime pay, could be significantly higher, thus increasing their pension payouts upon retirement. This change is anticipated to boost employer contributions as well, as higher benefits necessitate increased funding from the state's pension system.

Summary

Bill S08087 aims to amend the retirement and social security law by revising the definition of the 'overtime ceiling' for members of the public retirement system. Specifically, it impacts those who first join the system on or after April 1, 2012, by potentially removing the overtime ceiling from their wage calculations. This change signifies that any overtime compensation exceeding the ceiling would now be included when determining member benefits and contributions for retirement, thereby allowing for higher pension benefits based on actual earnings.

Contention

Notably, the bill has sparked discussions surrounding its fiscal implications. Concerns center around the increased employer contributions required to fund the higher pension benefits. Estimates indicate that employer contributions will see a gradual increase over the next few decades, raising questions among lawmakers about the sustainability of such financial obligations. Furthermore, stakeholders worry about the potential long-term costs and whether such changes could lead to budgetary strains on the city’s resources.

Fiscal_note

In fiscal terms, the bill outlines projected employer contribution increases for the New York City Employees' Retirement System (NYCERS) over the next 25 years, suggesting a considerable impact on city budgets. The ongoing discussions highlight the importance of balancing enhanced employee benefits with the viability of pension funding in the current economic landscape.

Companion Bills

NY A08652

Same As Relates to the definition of overtime ceiling for members who first become members of a public retirement system of the state on or after April first, two thousand twelve.

Previously Filed As

NY A09925

Relates to the definition of overtime ceiling for members who first become members of a public retirement system of the state on or after April first, two thousand twelve.

NY S09373

Relates to the definition of overtime ceiling for members who first become members of a public retirement system of the state on or after April first, two thousand twelve.

NY S06401

Clarifies provisions related to overtime ceilings for correction officers who are members of certain retirement plans.

NY A07252

Clarifies provisions related to overtime ceilings for correction officers who are members of certain retirement plans.

NY S07139

Authorizes the transfer of memberships for certain members of the New York state and local police and fire retirement system who previously held a membership with the New York state and local employees' retirement system back to such retirement system.

NY A07480

Authorizes the transfer of memberships for certain members of the New York state and local police and fire retirement system who previously held a membership with the New York state and local employees' retirement system back to such retirement system.

NY A00556

Relates to changes of membership eligibility in a New York state retirement system.

NY S06361

Relates to changes of membership eligibility in a New York state retirement system.

NY S06877

Permits a member of the New York city teachers' retirement system, the New York city employees' retirement system, or the New York city board of education retirement system who is eligible to join any other retirement system maintained by the city due to a separate, concurrent eligible employment with a participating employer to become a member of the subsequent city funded retirement system provided such benefits in the first system of membership are suspended during their active membership in the subsequent retirement system.

NY A07311

Permits a member of the New York city teachers' retirement system, the New York city employees' retirement system, or the New York city board of education retirement system who is eligible to join any other retirement system maintained by the city due to a separate, concurrent eligible employment with a participating employer to become a member of the subsequent city funded retirement system provided such benefits in the first system of membership are suspended during their active membership in the subsequent retirement system.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.