Bill > A07693

This bill provides a special provision for Lawrence Korzeniewski to request conversion of his late wife Janice Korzeniewski's retirement benefit into an accidental death benefit. Specifically, the bill allows Lawrence to file a written request with the state comptroller within one year of the bill's effective date, despite typical retirement law restrictions. The bill applies to Janice, a member of the New York state and local employees' retirement system, who was directed by her employer to work from March 1, 2020 through April 16, 2020, contracted COVID-19 within 45 days of reporting to work, and subsequently died from the disease on October 19, 2020. The state of New York will bear all past service costs of implementing this act, which are estimated to be approximately $192,000, to be paid as a one-time payment. The bill is intended to provide relief to Lawrence Korzeniewski by allowing him to convert his wife's service retirement benefit into an accidental death benefit, which would not typically be possible under existing retirement and social security laws.

Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7693