BILL NUMBER: S3655
SPONSOR: SKOUFIS
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the retirement and social security law, in relation to
establishing a twenty-five year retirement plan for firefighters
employed by the division of military and naval affairs
 
PURPOSE:
This bill would grant more equitable pensions to airport firefighters
and training and safety officers in the New York State Division of Mili-
tary and Naval Affairs.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Amends the retirement and social security law by adding a new
section 89(y) to establish a twenty-five-year pension with half-pay.
Section 2: Amends Subdivision a of section 445 of the retirement and
social security law, which adds firefighter apprentices, airport fire-
fighters, and training and safety officers employed by the division of
military and naval affairs to those covered under the law.
Section 3: Adds a new subdivision to define "creditable service" and
provide specifics on what is required to retire.
Section 4: Amends section 604 of the retirement and social security law
by adding a new subdivision, which sets forth pension amounts.
Section 5: Sets Effective Date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
This bill seeks to provide a more equitable pension to airport fire-
fighters and training and safety officers within the New York State
Division of Military and Naval Affairs. These individuals face similar
hazards and risks as municipal firefighters but are not currently enti-
tled to the same pension benefits. By granting them a pension equivalent
to half of their final salary after twenty-five years of service, this
legislation ensures that these dedicated public servants receive the
compensation and recognition they rightfully deserve for their service
and commitment to public safety.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
Senate
2019: 55286, Passed Senate
2020: S5286, Referred to Civil Service and Pensions
2021: 54859, Vetoed Memo.78
2022: 58652, Referred to Civil Service and Pensions
2023: 55239, Vetoed Memo.90
2024: 59118, Referred to Civil Service and Pensions
Assembly
2019: A7615A, Referred to Governmental Employees
2021: A6062, Vetoed Memo.90
2022: A9861, Referred to Governmental Employees
2023: A5716, Vetoed Memo.90
2024: A9395, Passed Assembly
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
See Fiscal Note.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S3655: 603 retirement and social security law, 604 retirement and social security law