Bill > A08810

This bill amends the General Municipal Law to extend accidental death benefits for children of deceased municipal employees and first responders. Currently, these benefits were available only to children under 18 or students under 23, but the new legislation allows children who were under 25 years old at the time of the member's death to receive these benefits for their entire lifetime. The bill applies to various public safety professionals, including police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and other municipal workers. It also includes a provision for individuals who would have been eligible under the previous age restrictions but aged out, allowing them to apply for benefits within one year of the act's effective date, with some limitations (such as not being over 30 years old and not interfering with existing beneficiaries). The fiscal note indicates this will increase employer contributions across New York City's retirement systems, with the first-year impact estimated at around $100.9 million. The legislation ensures that no current beneficiary will be required to repay previously received benefits and that any reduction in benefits requires the beneficiary's consent.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8810