Bill > A07519

This bill proposes three key changes to existing law: First, it modifies the civil service law to require employers to continue certain terms of an expired agreement, specifically relating to leaves of absence, active employee health insurance, holidays, salaries (excluding step increases), and other mandatory subjects of bargaining as defined by the public employment relations board. Second, the bill expands the definition of "eligible employees" for retirement plans, initially allowing employees with annual wages of $75,000 or more to join the Optional Retirement Program (ORP), and later (beginning January 1, 2026) extending eligibility to more employees who would be eligible for the New York State Teachers' Retirement System or the New York State and Local Employees' Retirement System. Third, the bill limits public arbitration panels' ability to award compensation increases in disputed agreements, capping such increases at no more than two percent above the compensation in the previous agreement. These changes aim to provide more clarity and consistency in employment agreements, retirement benefits, and dispute resolution for public employees, while potentially controlling costs for public employers.

Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7519