Bill > S08058

This bill amends the retirement and social security law to expand disability retirement benefits for airport firefighters by adding presumptive coverage for additional health conditions. Specifically, the bill adds cancer affecting the endocrine and thyroid systems to the list of presumptive diseases that can qualify for disability retirement, and introduces a new presumption for Parkinson's Disease. Under the new provisions, if an airport firefighter (including apprentices and various firefighter classification levels) develops these conditions after passing an initial physical examination that did not reveal the condition, the illness will be presumed to have been incurred in the line of duty, unless contrary evidence is presented. This means the affected firefighter would be eligible for a performance of duty disability retirement allowance, with the amount determined by existing retirement system regulations. The bill allows firefighters who are eligible for service retirement to simultaneously file for service retirement without prejudicing their disability retirement application. The changes aim to provide greater protection and financial support for airport firefighters who develop serious health conditions potentially related to their occupational duties, with potential cost implications for the New York State and Local Employees' Retirement System.

Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8058