Bill > S08207

This bill modifies retirement eligibility requirements for members of the unified court system, specifically peace officers and uniformed court officers. The legislation restores the "55/30" retirement option (allowing retirement at age 55 with 30 years of service) and reduces the normal retirement age from 63 to 62 for these specific court system employees. Under the current law, most public employees who became members after April 1, 2012, were required to retire at age 63, but this bill creates an exception for unified court system officers. The bill allows these officers to retire without a benefit reduction at age 55 with 30 years of service or at age 62, which is one year earlier than the previous standard. Financially, the New York State Actuary estimates this change will increase annual state contributions by approximately $2.8 million in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, with a one-time past service cost of about $26.4 million. The legislation affects an estimated 2,757 state employees with an annual salary of around $202 million as of March 31, 2024, and is designed to provide more flexible retirement options for court system personnel.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8207