Bill > S04326

This bill allows Lawrence Korzeniewski, as the designated beneficiary of Janice Korzeniewski, to receive accidental death benefits, even though Janice Korzeniewski had already retired. Janice Korzeniewski, a member of the New York State and Local Employees' Retirement System (NYSLRS), was directed by her employer to return to work between March 1, 2020, and April 16, 2020, contracted COVID-19 within 45 days of returning, and subsequently died from the disease on October 19, 2020. Normally, to convert a service retirement benefit into an accidental death benefit, the deceased must have retired before July 1, 2020, and the request must be made within a specific timeframe. This bill waives those restrictions, allowing Lawrence Korzeniewski to request this conversion if he files a written request with the state comptroller within one year of the bill's effective date. The state of New York will cover the immediate past service costs associated with implementing this act, estimated at $209,000 as a one-time payment.

Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4326