Bill > S06404

This bill provides a lung disease presumption for correction officers, correction supervisors, deputy sheriff patrol officers, and deputy sheriff patrol supervisors who are members of the New York State and Local Employees' Retirement System. Specifically, if these workers contract a lung disease that results in disability or death, the bill creates a legal presumption that the condition was incurred in the line of duty and is a direct result of their work, unless contrary evidence is presented. To qualify for this presumption, the employee must have passed a pre-employment physical examination that did not reveal any existing lung disease or impairment. The bill amends the Retirement and Social Security Law to add two new sections (63-j and 605-h) that establish this presumption, which means these workers would be more likely to receive disability benefits or death benefits related to lung diseases. The bill takes effect immediately and applies to members across different retirement system tiers, potentially making it easier for these public safety workers to receive benefits if they develop lung-related health conditions during their employment.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6404