New York Assembly Bill A04915

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/10/25
• Refer: 2/10/25
• Report Pass: 6/17/25
• Refer: 6/17/25

Caption

Provides a performance of duty presumption for diseases of the heart for members who serve as an ambulance medical technician, ambulance medical coordinator, ambulance medical technician/supervisor or a member who performs ambulance medical technician related services, or a police medic, police medic coordinator, police medic supervisor, bureau director police emergency ambulance services - county, assistant bureau director police emergency ambulance services - county, or a member who performs police medic or police emergency ambulance related services and is employed in the Nassau county police department.

Summary

Bill A04915 proposes amendments to the retirement and social security law to establish a presumption of disability for certain employees of the Nassau County Police Department who suffer from heart-related health impairments. Specifically, it applies to ambulance medical technicians and police medics who have passed a physical examination upon entry into service that did not reveal any heart disease. If these individuals sustain a heart-related disability while employed, it will be presumed to have occurred in the line of duty unless proven otherwise. This bill aims to provide these employees with access to performance of duty (POD) disability benefits, recognizing the risks associated with their roles.

Impact

The enactment of this bill will modify the existing retirement and social security law to include a presumption of duty-related heart disease for specific members of the Nassau County Police Department. This change is expected to lead to an increase in the number of POD disability benefits claimed by affected employees. The financial implications for Nassau County include an estimated increase of approximately $30,000 in annual contributions for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, along with a one-time past service cost of about $51,400. These costs will be borne entirely by Nassau County, reflecting the bill's impact on local government finances.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A04915 appears to be largely favorable, as indicated by the voting history where it received overwhelming support in the Assembly Ways and Means Committee and the Assembly Rules Committee. The votes show a strong consensus among committee members, suggesting that the bill is viewed positively by those involved in its review and discussion.

Contention

While there is significant support for the bill, potential points of contention may arise regarding the financial burden it places on Nassau County. Some may argue about the sustainability of increased costs associated with additional disability benefits. However, specific opposition or detailed concerns have not been highlighted in the available committee discussions or voting records.