Authorizes Michael V. Layman to receive state police retirement credit for services performed as a SUNY police officer.
Summary
This bill is a private retirement bill for Michael V. Layman. It authorizes him, notwithstanding contrary law, to receive retirement service credit in the New York State and Local Police and Fire Retirement System for his prior employment as a university police officer at SUNY Cortland, SUNY Delhi, and SUNY Oneonta from May 26, 1988 through March 30, 1992. The bill treats that service as if it had been rendered with the Division of State Police for purposes of retirement credit under section 381-b of the Retirement and Social Security Law.
If Layman files a written request with the State Comptroller by December 31, 2026, his retirement benefit must be recalculated retroactive to his November 29, 2020 retirement date. The bill also specifies that all costs associated with the benefit change are to be borne by the State of New York, and it takes effect immediately.
Impact
The bill creates a narrow exception to existing retirement law by deeming certain SUNY university police service to qualify for state police retirement credit for one named retiree. It affects the New York State and Local Police and Fire Retirement System and the State Comptroller’s administration of retirement benefits, and it requires a recalculation of Layman’s pension if he timely applies. The fiscal note estimates a one-time past service cost of about $133,000 to the state.
Sentiment
The available record suggests the bill is routine and individualized rather than controversial in a broad policy sense. There are no committee transcripts or recorded votes provided, so there is no documented debate or opposition in the materials supplied. The bill’s sponsor appears to be seeking a targeted equitable retirement adjustment for a specific former officer, and the fiscal impact is relatively limited.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is the use of special legislation to grant retirement credit to a single individual despite existing statutory language that does not treat this university police service as police service for retirement purposes. Any concern would likely center on precedent, fairness to similarly situated employees, and the state’s obligation to pay the added cost. No specific objections or supporters are identified in the provided materials.
Authorizes members or officers of the state police who were previously firefighters receive credit for such previous firefighter service for the purposes of retirement.
Authorizes members or officers of the state police who were previously firefighters receive credit for such previous firefighter service for the purposes of retirement.
Relates to authorizing state university police, regional state park police and detective investigators for the office of the attorney general to receive additional service credit in an optional twenty year retirement plan.
Relates to authorizing state university police, regional state park police and detective investigators for the office of the attorney general to receive additional service credit in an optional twenty year retirement plan.
Authorizes Brian Studley, a police officer employed by the New York state university police department at SUNY Fredonia, to transition his pension from the New York state and local employees' retirement system to the New York state and local police and fire retirement system.
Authorizes Michael J. Cappiello to purchase service credit for service with the Long Island Railroad Company police department prior to its merger with the MTA and the state retirement system.
Authorizes Michael J. Cappiello to purchase service credit for service with the Long Island Railroad Company police department prior to its merger with the MTA and the state retirement system.