Establishes a dangerous employment benefit of five hundred thousand dollars for law enforcement officers who become seriously physically or mentally incapacitated or dies as the result of an injury, sustained in the performance or discharge of duties or as the natural and proximate result of an incident that occurred during such performance of duties.
Summary
Bill A03237 proposes to amend the retirement and social security law to establish a dangerous employment benefit of $500,000 for law enforcement officers who become seriously physically or mentally incapacitated or die as a result of injuries sustained in the performance of their duties. This benefit aims to provide financial support to officers and their families in the event of severe injuries or fatalities linked to their law enforcement activities. The bill defines 'law enforcement officer' broadly, including various categories of sworn officers across different jurisdictions and agencies within New York State.
Impact
If enacted, this bill would create a new financial benefit for law enforcement officers, potentially increasing the state's financial obligations related to law enforcement personnel. It would specifically affect the retirement and social security law, introducing a new section that mandates the provision of this benefit, which could lead to changes in budgeting and funding for law enforcement agencies. The bill may also encourage discussions around the safety and welfare of law enforcement officers in the state.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill A03237 appears to be generally supportive among law enforcement advocates, who see it as a necessary measure to protect officers and their families. However, there may be concerns regarding the financial implications for the state budget and the potential for increased costs associated with the implementation of this benefit.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise from budgetary concerns, particularly regarding how the state will fund this new benefit. Some lawmakers or stakeholders may argue that while the intention behind the bill is commendable, the financial burden it places on state resources could be significant. Additionally, there may be discussions about the adequacy of existing benefits for law enforcement officers and whether this new benefit is necessary or sufficient.
Establishes a dangerous employment benefit of five hundred thousand dollars for law enforcement officers who become seriously physically or mentally incapacitated or dies as the result of an injury, sustained in the performance or discharge of duties or as the natural and proximate result of an incident that occurred during such performance of duties.
Amends the imposition of sales tax to dramatic or musical arts performances, or live circus performances, or motion picture theaters, where such admission charge is not more than one thousand dollars.
Amends the imposition of sales tax to dramatic or musical arts performances, or live circus performances, or motion picture theaters, where such admission charge is not more than one thousand dollars.
Adds probation officer and parole officer to the list of public safety employees that are entitled to their full salary if they are injured and become disabled as a result of performance of their job duties.
Adds department of corrections' correctional officers to the list of public safety employees that are entitled to their full salary if they are injured and become disabled as a result of performance of their job duties.
Increases the amount of the credit against taxes for long-term care insurance from twenty to forty percent and from one thousand five hundred dollars to two thousand five hundred dollars.
Amends the list of persons eligible to succeed the governor in the event that the governor is unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office of governor as a result of an attack or a natural or peacetime disaster and the lieutenant governor, the temporary president of the senate and the speaker of the assembly are unable to discharge such duties.
Requires that before any fire fighter or police officer is eligible to receive benefits for illness or injury sustained off duty, they prove they had reasonable grounds to believe that an emergency existed that required immediate need of their assistance.