BILL NUMBER: S6688
SPONSOR: SKOUFIS
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the retirement and social security law, in relation to
providing county correction officers with a special optional twenty year
retirement plan
 
PURPOSE:
This bill will allow county correction officers and deputy sheriffs
engaged in correction officer duties to become covered by the provisions
of a special 20-year retirement plan, which will benefit one-half of the
final average salary upon retirement if the employing county elects to
provide such benefits.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Amends the Retirement and Social Security Law by adding a new
Article 14-C (Optional Retirement Plan for County Correction Officers or
Deputy Sheriffs Performing as Correction Officers).ligible county
correction officers and deputy sheriffs engaged in correctional duties
for at least fifty percent of their service may opt into a twenty-year
retirement plan if their employer elects to provide it. Members may
retire after completing twenty years of creditable service or upon
reaching age sixty-two, receiving a pension based on a fraction of their
final average salary. Additional benefits include pension contributions
the employer covers, military service credit, and the option for members
to withdraw from the plan after a year. Employers must formally adopt a
resolution to provide these benefits, and any higher benefits available
under other provisions of the law will take precedence. The amendment
also ensures that participation does not alter existing contribution
requirements under Articles 11, 14, or 15 of the law.
Section 2: Counties adopting the benefits under this act may amortize
any required past service payments over a five or ten-year period, at
their discretion.
Section: Sets Effective Date
 
JUSTIFICATION:
County correction officers and deputy sheriffs performing correctional
duties operate in some of the most dangerous and high-stress environ-
ments. They are responsible for managing overcrowded inmate populations
and working in close quarters with individuals convicted of serious
crimes, including murder, child exploitation, sexual assault, drug traf-
ficking, and gang-related violence. Additionally, with the closure of
mental health institutions, correctional facilities now house individ-
uals with severe mental illnesses who pose risks to both themselves and
the officers charged with their supervision. These professionals remain
in constant vigilance, prepared for sudden inmate attacks or uprisings
that could result in serious injury or death. The psychological and
physical toll of these conditions contributes to a reduced life expect-
ancy, increased rates of depression, substance abuse, and, in some
cases, suicide.
Despite undergoing rigorous academy training and holding peace officer
status, correction officers and deputy sheriff jailors receive inferior
pension benefits compared to law enforcement personnel who face similar-
ly hazardous and demanding responsibilities. This legislation addresses
this disparity, ensuring these dedicated public servants receive fair
and equitable retirement benefits.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
Senate
2015: Referred to Civil Service and Pensions
2016: S4001B, Passed Senate
2017: S1850, Vetoed Memo 172
2020: S8030, Referred to Civil Service and Pensions
2021: S1879A, Referred to Civil Service and Pensions
2022: S1879A, Amended and Recommitted to Civil Service and Pensions
2023: S5883A, Referred to Civil Service and Pensions
2024: S5883A, Amended and Recommitted to Civil Service and Pensions
Assembly
2015: A6612B, Passed Assembly
2016: A6612B, Amend, and Recommitted to Governmental Employees
2017: A6277, Reported referred to rules
2020: No Assembly Same-As
2021: No Assembly Same-As
2022: No Assembly Same-As
2023: No Assembly Same-As
2024: No Assembly Same-As
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
See Fiscal Note.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.