Bill > A08942

This bill amends the retirement and social security law to allow Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians to receive retirement credit for periods of unpaid child care leave. Specifically, EMT members who are absent without pay for child care purposes under a collective bargaining agreement can now purchase up to one year of service credit for each authorized child care leave period. To be eligible, the EMT must file a claim with the pension fund by December 31, 2025, or within 90 days of terminating the child care leave (whichever is later), and contribute the amount they would have paid into the pension fund during that leave period, plus interest. This change addresses a current limitation where EMT members could not previously receive retirement credit for authorized unpaid child care absences. The bill aims to provide more financial flexibility and support for EMT professionals who take time off to care for their children, ensuring that such leaves do not negatively impact their long-term retirement benefits.

Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8942