Bill > S05038

This bill establishes an optional retirement stipend program for incarcerated individuals who are over 62 years old and have served at least five years of their sentence. Under this new provision, eligible inmates can choose to stop participating in prison work programs and receive a monthly stipend of $30. The bill requires the prison commissioner to inform eligible individuals about this retirement option and document their choice. If an inmate initially declines the stipend but later wants to receive it, they can do so by providing 30 days' written notice. Importantly, the bill specifies that this retirement option does not exempt individuals from completing mandatory programs required for parole release, though inmates waiting for such programs may stop working until a program becomes available. The legislation will take effect one year after becoming law, and prison authorities are authorized to prepare the necessary implementation rules in advance.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5038