Bill > S05726

This bill provides enhanced death benefits for correction officers employed by Orange County, specifically for those with job titles including correction officer, correction officer-sergeant, correction officer-captain, assistant warden, associate warden, or warden. Under the new law, if a correction officer who would have been eligible for service retirement dies on or after the effective date of the legislation, their beneficiaries can 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. Orange County will be responsible for all past service costs associated with implementing this provision, which can be amortized over a 10-year period. The fiscal note estimates that this will result in an approximately $42,000 annual increase in county contributions, with a one-time past service cost of around $324,000. The bill is designed to provide financial protection for the families of correction officers who die while still employed and eligible for retirement, ensuring they receive a substantial financial benefit.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5726