BILL NUMBER: S3608
SPONSOR: HELMING
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the retirement and social security law, in relation to
the retirement of county 911 operators
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
Provides an optional twenty-five year retirement plan for 911 operators
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 89-y to read as follows: § 89-y. Optional twenty-five year
retirement plan for county police communications operators, police
communications operator supervisors, assistant bureau directors (police
911 communications) and bureau directors (police 911 communications).
Section two: 10 § 2. Subdivision a of section 445 of the retirement and
social security law, as separately amended by section 4 of part II and
section 2 of 12 part KK of chapter 55 of the laws of 2023, is amended
Section 3: Section 603 of the retirement and social security law is
amended by adding a new subdivision. Section 4: Section 604 of the
retirement and social security law is amended by adding a new subdivi-
sion Section 5: Sets forth the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Emergency 911 dispatchers in New York State are unsung heroes who oper-
ate in high-stress environments, handling life-or-death situations on a
daily basis. Their job demands quick thinking, multitasking, and main-
taining composure in incredibly intense circumstances. Offering a
25-year retirement option acknowledges the mental and emotional toll of
their work, providing these dedicated professionals with a well-deserved
opportunity to prioritize their mental health and well-being after years
of service.
The retention of experienced 911 dispatchers is crucial for ensuring the
efficiency and effectiveness of emergency response systems. Seasoned
dispatchers bring invaluable expertise and a deep understanding of
handling diverse emergency scenarios. Their knowledge can significantly
impact response times, accuracy in assessing situations, and providing
crucial guidance to both callers and emergency responders. Allowing for
a 25-year retirement option incentivizes these skilled individuals to
stay within the profession longer, ensuring a continuity of high-quality
emergency services for the community while also safeguarding the mental
health of these essential workers. The City of New York offers their
dispatchers to retire with 25 years of allowable service regardless of
age. This should be the standard across the State of New York as well.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2024: 5.9062 referred to Civil Service and Pensions/A.9844 referred to
Governmental Employees
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect January 1, 2026

Statutes affected:
S3608: 603 retirement and social security law, 604 retirement and social security law