Bill > S06641

This bill increases special accidental death benefits for state and local retirement system members by adjusting the percentage of the deceased member's salary that is paid to survivors. Specifically, the bill modifies the General Municipal Law and Retirement and Social Security Law to raise the special accidental death benefit percentages for deaths occurring in various calendar years from 1977 to 2024. For example, for a member who died in 1977, the benefit percentage would increase from 301.2% to 313.2% of the member's salary. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, and is expected to have a total fiscal impact of approximately $9.11 million, with costs shared between the State of New York and local participating employers. The special accidental death benefit is paid to the deceased member's surviving spouse, children under 18 (or under 23 if a student), or in some cases, to the member's parents. The increase applies to survivors of members who worked in various public service roles, including police, fire, sanitation, and other municipal departments.

Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6641