BILL NUMBER: S4581
SPONSOR: JACKSON
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the retirement and social security law, in relation to
authorizing an optional twenty-five year retirement plan for uniformed
court officers and peace officers employed by the unified court system
 
PURPOSE:
This bill would allow uniformed court officers employed by the New York
State Unified Court System to retire after twenty-five years of service.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 adds a new section 89-y to the Retirement and Social
Security Law to allow uniformed court officers employed by the Unified
Court System to retire after twenty-five years of service.
Section 2 amends section 445 to the Retirement and Social Security Law
to allow uniformed court officers employed by the Unified Court System
to retire after twenty-five years of service.
Section 3 amends Section 603 of the Retirement and Social Security Law
to allow uniformed court officers employed by the United Court System to
retire after twenty-five years of service.
Section 4 amends Section 503 of the Retirement and Social Security Law
to allow uniformed court officers employed by the Unified Court System
to retire after twenty-five years of service.
Section 5 amends section 604 of Retirement and Social Security Law to
state that the early service retirement for uniformed court officers
employed by the unified court system shall be a pension equal to one-
fiftieth of final average salary times years of credited service, but
not exceeding one-half of his or her final average salary.
Section 7 provides that the State of New York is required to pay all
past service costs associated with this legislation.
Section 8 is the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Uniformed court officers employed by the unified court face high-stress
and dangerous work environments, which create immense physical and
mental strain that impacts their wellbeing. The cumulative toll of expo-
sure to emotional distress, potentially volatile individuals, and the
inherent stressors can lead to burnout and diminished resilience. This
bill would allow uniformed court officers employed by the unified court
system to retire after 25 years of creditable service. Doing so acknowl-
edges the strenuous nature of these professions and recognizes these
employees for their service and sacrifice. By reducing the years of
service required for retirement, this change also safeguards the long-
term health of these employees and may help spur recruitment at a time
when the agency is struggling to diversify and fill positions.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2024- S.8819-A - REPORTED AND COMMITTED TO FINANCE/ A9597-A - amended
and recommitted to governmental employees
 
STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
See fiscal note.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S4581: 603 retirement and social security law, 604 retirement and social security law