New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A05898

Introduced
2/24/25  
Refer
2/24/25  
Report Pass
5/28/25  
Refer
5/28/25  
Report Pass
6/4/25  
Refer
6/4/25  

Caption

Permits an eligible retirement system member to receive, in lieu of an ordinary death benefit, a death benefit such member would otherwise be entitled to receive provided such member is a state-paid judge or justice of the unified court system or a housing judge of the civil court of the city of New York.

Summary

Bill A05898 proposes amendments to the retirement and social security law to provide enhanced death benefits for state-paid judges and justices, including retired judges who are serving under specific certifications. The bill allows beneficiaries of eligible judges or justices who die while entitled to service retirement benefits to choose between a lump sum payment equivalent to the pension reserve that would have been established had the member retired on their date of death or the value of the death benefit and reserve-for-increased-take-home-pay, whichever is greater. This change aims to provide more substantial financial support to the families of deceased judges and justices.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will modify the existing death benefits structure for state-paid judges and justices, potentially increasing the financial burden on the state due to the anticipated costs associated with the new benefit structure. The fiscal note estimates an immediate past service cost of approximately $4.85 million, with annual contributions expected to increase by about $287,000 starting in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026. The state will bear these costs, which may be amortized over ten years.

Sentiment

The sentiment around Bill A05898 appears to be generally favorable, as indicated by the unanimous support in committee votes. The bill has passed through multiple committees with significant majority support, suggesting that lawmakers recognize the importance of providing enhanced benefits to judges and justices, reflecting a commitment to support public servants and their families.

Contention

While the bill has garnered broad support, there may be concerns regarding the financial implications for the state budget, particularly the immediate past service costs and ongoing contributions. Some lawmakers may express apprehension about the sustainability of funding these benefits in the long term, especially in the context of other state financial obligations.

Companion Bills

NY S05083

Same As Permits an eligible retirement system member to receive, in lieu of an ordinary death benefit, a death benefit such member would otherwise be entitled to receive provided such member is a state-paid judge or justice of the unified court system or a housing judge of the civil court of the city of New York.

Previously Filed As

NY A10355

Permits an eligible retirement system member to receive, in lieu of an ordinary death benefit, a death benefit such member would otherwise be entitled to receive provided such member is a state-paid judge or justice of the unified court system or a housing judge of the civil court of the city of New York.

NY S09276

Permits an eligible retirement system member to receive, in lieu of an ordinary death benefit, a death benefit such member would otherwise be entitled to receive provided such member is a state-paid judge or justice of the unified court system or a housing judge of the civil court of the city of New York.

NY S05083

Permits an eligible retirement system member to receive, in lieu of an ordinary death benefit, a death benefit such member would otherwise be entitled to receive provided such member is a state-paid judge or justice of the unified court system or a housing judge of the civil court of the city of New York.

NY A07335

Relates to death benefits for members of the uniformed force of the New York city department of sanitation and members of the uniformed force of the New York city department of correction; establishes that the beneficiaries of a member who would have been entitled to a service retirement benefit at the time of such member's death may elect to receive, in a lump sum, an amount payable which shall be equal to the pension reserve that would have been established had the member retired on the date of such member's death, or the value of the death benefit and the reserve-for-increased-take-home-pay, if any, whichever is greater.

NY A10843

Allows a beneficiary of a member whose death occurs on or after July 1, 2026 and who would have been entitled to a service credit at the time of such member's death to elect to receive a lump sum payment equal to the pension reserve that would have been established had the member retired on the date of such member's death.

NY S06406

Allows a beneficiary of a member whose death occurs on or after July 1, 2026 and who would have been entitled to a service credit at the time of such member's death to elect to receive a lump sum payment equal to the pension reserve that would have been established had the member retired on the date of such member's death.

NY A10382

Authorizes a death benefit option for the beneficiary of deceased justice Jerry Garguilo, a justice of the unified court system.

NY S09138

Authorizes a death benefit option for the beneficiary of deceased justice Jerry Garguilo, a justice of the unified court system.

NY A11387

Relates to age and service eligibility requirements for ordinary retirement for members of the unified court system

NY S07113

Provides for beneficiaries of the death benefits of an eligible uniformed member of the fire department of the city of New York the ability to elect to receive such benefits in a certain lump-sum amount.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.