Bill > A05898

This bill modifies the death benefit provisions for state-paid judges and justices of the unified court system, including retired judges of the court of appeals or supreme court who are still serving, and housing judges of the New York City civil court. Under the new provisions, if a qualifying judge or justice would have been eligible for service retirement at the time of their death, their beneficiaries can elect to receive a lump sum payment equal to either the pension reserve that would have been established had the member retired on their date of death, or the value of the death benefit and reserve-for-increased-take-home-pay, whichever is greater. The bill will result in an estimated annual increase of approximately $287,000 in state contributions, with a one-time past service cost of around $4.85 million. The state can choose to amortize this past service cost over a 10-year period, with annual payments of about $619,000. The changes aim to provide more comprehensive death benefits for eligible judicial system members, ensuring their beneficiaries receive a substantial financial support in the event of the member's death.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5898