Bill > S03880

This bill grants David Morse, the parent of Peyton Morse, a firefighter who died on March 12, 2021, while working for the city of Watertown, the ability to file for and receive accidental death benefits under sections 361 and 361-a of the Retirement and Social Security Law. Despite Peyton Morse being a Tier 6 member of the New York State and Local Police and Fire Retirement System, he did not have a statutory beneficiary initially eligible for accidental death benefits, so only an ordinary death benefit was previously paid. The bill allows David Morse to apply for these benefits, with any previous payments to Peyton Morse, his estate, or David Morse being deducted from the future benefit. The state of New York will bear the costs of this benefit, which are estimated at approximately $1.70 million as a one-time payment, assuming payment is made on March 1, 2026. The legislation will take effect immediately upon enactment and is specifically designed to provide retroactive financial support to David Morse for the loss of his firefighter son.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3880