Labor & Employment (Retirement Benefits) in New York

in committee · New York · Assembly Apr 23, 2026

A 11026: Establishes a retirement benefit review panel

This bill creates a new Retirement Benefit Review Panel to offer a final avenue for state retirement system members who have exhausted other legal options to appeal denied benefits. The panel will consist of at least fifteen experts in retirement systems, who will review cases independently and make binding decisions based on the evidence presented. The comptroller is tasked with establishing the panel and creating the necessary rules to manage its operations, with the law taking effect approximately seven months after passage.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Retirement Benefits

passed · New York · Assembly May 19, 2026

K 1405: Recognizing October as National Retirement Security Month

This bill designates October as National Retirement Security Month to highlight the importance of retirement planning and financial literacy. It directly affects New York State employees and workers by encouraging them to learn about existing retirement options like the State's Defined Benefit Plan and the Secure Choice Savings Program. The resolution calls for increased education on these programs and advises individuals to seek guidance from qualified financial experts to maximize their benefits. By pausing legislative deliberations to acknowledge this month, the bill aims to raise awareness about long-term financial security without changing any laws or funding levels.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Retirement Benefits

signed · New York · Assembly Mar 31, 2026

A 10760: Provides for emergency appropriation for the period April 1, 2026 through April 7, 2026

This bill provides emergency funding for state government operations from April 1 through April 7, 2026, to ensure payments continue while regular appropriations are being processed. It allocates approximately $248 million for employee payroll, $10 million for non-payroll operational expenses, and $6.4 million for federal food and nutrition assistance programs. The legislation also includes $609.9 million for the Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid) and covers various employee benefits such as social security contributions and retirement plan costs. This temporary funding allows state departments and agencies to maintain essential services during the brief gap before the full fiscal year budget is enacted.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Medicaid Retirement Benefits

in committee · New York · Assembly Mar 3, 2026

A 10370: Relates to the retirement of county and municipal airport firefighters

This bill creates an optional 25-year retirement plan specifically for county and municipal airport firefighters who handle aircraft rescue and firefighting duties. Under the new provisions, eligible firefighters can retire after completing 25 years of service to receive a pension equal to half their final average salary, with potential increases for additional years of service up to a maximum of three-quarters of their final salary. The plan is not automatic; it requires the employer to vote to adopt it and pay the associated costs, and it applies only to those whose employers make this election. Airport firefighters who do not retire under this new plan can still use their service credit toward other retirement plans available to them.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Retirement Benefits

in committee · New York · Assembly Jun 5, 2026

A 10280: Authorizes an optional 20-year retirement benefits plan for Elmira traffic officers

Authorizes an optional 20-year retirement plan for traffic officers employed by the town of Elmira, who submit an application therefor within one year of the effective date of such provisions, or within one year of start of employment.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Retirement Benefits

passed both · New York · Assembly Jun 4, 2026

A 10263: Establishes an optional twenty-five year retirement plan for certain employees of the New York Power Authority

Establishes an optional twenty-five year retirement plan for employees of the New York Power Authority with the job title of mechanic, technician, electrician, equipment operator, power plant operator, utility security officer, or lineperson.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Retirement Benefits

in committee · New York · Assembly Feb 12, 2026

A 10164: Authorizes the county of Dutchess to offer an optional twenty-five year retirement plan to certain deputy sheriffs employed by such county

This bill authorizes Dutchess County to offer an optional 25-year retirement plan to specific deputy sheriffs who missed the initial application deadline due to reasons not caused by their own negligence. The county must certify these employees' eligibility (no negligence) and file a resolution with the state comptroller within 180 days of the law taking effect. Eligible deputy sheriffs can then elect to join the plan within one year of the law's effective date to receive full retirement benefits. The county bears all associated costs, which may be paid over a five-year period.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Retirement Benefits

in committee · New York · Senate Mar 24, 2026

S 9262: Relates to the retirement of county and municipal airport firefighters

This bill creates an optional 25-year retirement plan for airport firefighters employed by counties or municipalities. It allows eligible firefighters (those responsible for aircraft rescue, fire suppression, and emergency response at airports) to retire after 25 years of service and receive a pension equal to half their final average salary. Employers (counties/municipalities) must voluntarily adopt the plan by resolution and cover the costs, but it does not affect existing retirement options for other workers. The plan includes credit for prior service in firefighting, police, or military roles and applies only to firefighters whose employer chooses to participate.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Retirement Benefits

in committee · New York · Senate Jun 4, 2026

S 9068: Establishes an optional twenty-five year retirement plan for certain employees of the New York Power Authority

Establishes an optional twenty-five year retirement plan for employees of the New York Power Authority with the job title of mechanic, technician, electrician, equipment operator, power plant operator, utility security officer, or lineperson.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Retirement Benefits

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5561: Relates to service retirement benefits for certain members of the New York city employees' retirement system

Relates to service retirement benefits for certain members of the New York city employees' retirement system; provides that for New York city uniformed correction/sanitation revised plan members of the New York city employees' retirement system, the service retirement benefit shall not be reduced by the primary social security retirement benefit commencing at age sixty-two.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Retirement Benefits

All labor & employment bills