Bill > S01181

This bill establishes a temporary task force on the Variable Supplements Fund (VSF) program to investigate the ongoing issue of disability pensioners being excluded from receiving supplemental payments. The task force will consist of eleven voting members appointed by various state and city officials, including the governor, senate president, assembly speaker, and others, with the governor designating the chair. Additionally, several non-voting members from different police and transit-related organizations will participate. The task force is empowered to conduct public hearings, issue subpoenas, and gather evidence related to VSF eligibility for disability retirees. Members will not be compensated but will be reimbursed for expenses, and their government employment will not be jeopardized by serving on the task force. Within one year of the bill's effective date, the task force must submit a comprehensive report with findings and recommendations regarding disability pensioners' eligibility for VSF supplemental payments to key state officials, including the governor, comptroller, and committee chairs. The bill aims to address long-standing frustrations about the exclusion of most disabled firefighters from the VSF program, which was originally established in 1970 to provide supplementation to New York City police and fire retirement system members.

Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1181