New York Assembly Bill A07574

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/1/25
• Refer: 4/1/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Authorizes Susan Gillinder, the widow of Robert C. Ritchie, to file a new service retirement application and an option election form on behalf of her deceased husband with the New York state and local employees' retirement system.

Summary

This bill is a private retirement benefit measure for Susan Gillinder, the widow of Robert C. Ritchie. It authorizes her to file a new service retirement application and option election form with the New York State and Local Employees’ Retirement System on behalf of her deceased husband, who had already filed for retirement but died before his selected retirement date. The bill directs that the retirement be treated as if Mr. Ritchie retired on August 15, 2016, and allows the election of a joint allowance full option. The bill also requires that any ordinary death benefit already paid because of Mr. Ritchie’s death be offset against the retirement benefit payable under this act. It further provides that any additional cost will be borne by the State of New York and makes the act effective immediately. In practical terms, the measure creates a special statutory exception to allow a posthumous retirement filing and benefit election for one named individual and family.

Impact

The bill amends the application of the Retirement and Social Security Law only for this specific case, overriding contrary law to permit a new service retirement filing after death and to deem an earlier retirement date. It affects the New York State and Local Employees’ Retirement System, the State Comptroller’s administration of retirement applications, and the calculation of benefits by requiring offsets for any death benefits already paid. The fiscal note indicates a one-time past service cost to the state, but no increase in annual state contributions.

Sentiment

The available materials suggest a generally favorable, noncontroversial posture toward the bill, as reflected by its advancement through committee and amendment rather than any recorded opposition or negative vote history. Because the measure is narrowly tailored to a single widow and deceased retiree, it appears to have been treated as a compassionate corrective bill rather than a broad policy change. No committee transcript or vote record was provided showing organized opposition.

Contention

The main potential point of contention is the use of special legislation to grant an individualized retirement benefit exception outside the normal statutory framework. Critics of such bills could object to setting a precedent for posthumous retirement elections or to the state assuming the additional cost, even though the fiscal note says the cost is limited and the death benefit already paid would be deducted. Support would likely come from those viewing the bill as equitable relief for a surviving spouse in a unique factual situation.