Bill > A07541

This bill provides special disability retirement benefits for Kyle Brower, a retired member of the New York State Teachers' Retirement System who participated in World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations after the 9/11 attacks. Specifically, the bill allows Brower to receive a performance of duty disability retirement allowance equal to three-quarters of his final average salary, instead of his current ordinary disability benefits, if he files a written request with the retirement system within one year of the bill's effective date. The bill recognizes that Brower incurred a qualifying World Trade Center-related condition in the line of duty, which was determined to be the natural result of an accident not caused by his own negligence. The fiscal note indicates that this special provision will cost an estimated $937,000, which will be borne by employers of the Teachers' Retirement System, and will provide Brower with a retrospective pension recalculation dating back to his retirement in July 2013. The bill takes effect immediately and is not subject to certain standard retirement system regulations.

Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7541