New York Assembly Bill A06447

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/5/25
• Refer: 3/5/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Allows retired state police officers to serve as police officers for local police departments without diminution of retirement benefits; empowers the superintendent of state police to approve such service.

Summary

Bill A06447 seeks to amend the retirement and social security law in New York to allow retired state police officers to serve as police officers in local police departments without losing their retirement benefits. The bill specifically modifies existing provisions to clarify that such retired officers are not considered in service of their former employer when they take on these new roles, thereby enabling them to continue receiving their retirement benefits while serving in local law enforcement capacities.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would have a significant impact on state laws regarding the employment of retired state police officers. It would create a pathway for these individuals to transition into local law enforcement roles without the risk of losing their retirement benefits, potentially increasing the pool of qualified candidates for local police departments. This change could also affect the recruitment strategies of local police departments, as they may now consider hiring retired state officers to fill vacancies.

Sentiment

The sentiment around Bill A06447 appears to be mixed based on the committee voting history. In the Assembly Governmental Employees Committee, the bill was held for consideration with a vote of 9 in favor and 5 against, indicating some support but also notable opposition. The lack of further action suggests that there may be ongoing discussions or concerns regarding the implications of the bill.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding the bill may stem from concerns about the potential impact on local police budgets and the implications of allowing retired officers to serve without restrictions on their retirement benefits. Some committee members may argue that this could lead to financial strain on local departments or create inequities in hiring practices. Those in favor of the bill may emphasize the benefits of experienced officers serving in local roles, particularly in areas facing recruitment challenges.