Bill > S07635

This bill establishes an optional twenty-five-year retirement plan for certain public safety personnel working in emergency communications roles, such as dispatchers, 911 operators, and communication officers employed by state, county, or municipal emergency services departments. Under this plan, eligible members can retire after completing twenty-five years of creditable service and receive a pension equal to one-half of their final average salary. For service beyond twenty-five years, members can receive an additional benefit of one-sixtieth of their final average salary for each additional year of service, with a maximum total allowance of three-fourths of their final average salary. The bill allows employers to elect to provide these benefits by adopting a resolution and filing it with the comptroller, and requires the employer to pay the associated costs. Creditable service includes not just emergency communication roles, but can also include service as a police officer, firefighter, or other related public safety positions. The plan is optional, and members who do not retire under this provision can still use their service credits under other retirement plans. The bill is designed to provide an early retirement option for professionals who play critical roles in emergency response systems.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7635