New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A07693

Introduced
4/4/25  
Refer
4/4/25  

Caption

Grants Lawrence Korzeniewski, the statutory beneficiary of Janice Korzeniewski, accidental death benefits because Janice Korzeniewski was directed by her employer to return to work and contracted COVID-19 within 45 days of reporting to work and died from such disease.

Summary

Bill A07693 proposes to grant Lawrence Korzeniewski, the statutory beneficiary of Janice Korzeniewski, the ability to convert her service retirement benefit into an accidental death benefit. This provision applies specifically because Janice Korzeniewski contracted COVID-19 within 45 days of returning to work as directed by her employer and subsequently died from the disease. The bill allows for this conversion request to be made within one year of the bill's effective date, which is immediate upon enactment.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will modify the eligibility criteria for accidental death benefits under the New York State and Local Employees' Retirement System. It will allow beneficiaries of certain members who contracted COVID-19 while working under specific circumstances to convert their retirement benefits, which could set a precedent for similar cases in the future. The state will bear the one-time cost of approximately $192,000 associated with this change.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A07693 appears to be supportive, as it addresses the needs of beneficiaries affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there may be concerns regarding the financial implications for the state budget, given the one-time cost associated with implementing the bill.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the financial burden on the state and whether similar provisions should be extended to other beneficiaries in comparable situations. Some may argue that this bill sets a precedent that could lead to increased claims and costs in the future, while others may emphasize the importance of supporting families affected by the pandemic.

Companion Bills

NY S04326

Same As Grants Lawrence Korzeniewski, the statutory beneficiary of Janice Korzeniewski, accidental death benefits because Janice Korzeniewski was directed by her employer to return to work and contracted COVID-19 within 45 days of reporting to work and died from such disease.

Previously Filed As

NY S04326

Grants Lawrence Korzeniewski, the statutory beneficiary of Janice Korzeniewski, accidental death benefits because Janice Korzeniewski was directed by her employer to return to work and contracted COVID-19 within 45 days of reporting to work and died from such disease.

NY A10824

Permits accidental death benefits and/or special accidental death benefits to be awarded to the beneficiary of Patricia Espinosa.

NY S09596

Permits accidental death benefits and/or special accidental death benefits to be awarded to the beneficiary of Patricia Espinosa.

NY S3590

Increases accidental death benefit for surviving spouse or surviving children of certain PERS members and retirants; provides accidental death benefit to beneficiary of certain PERS and PFRS members and retirants; redefines child.

NY A1932

Increases accidental death benefit for surviving spouse or surviving children of certain PERS members and retirants; provides accidental death benefit to beneficiary of certain PERS and PFRS members and retirants; redefines child.

NY A08810

Increases the duration of special accidental death benefits paid to a deceased member's children.

NY HB1458

Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System; death benefits; beneficiaries; transfer; disclaimer; time period; liability; effective date.

NY HB1458

Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System; death benefits; beneficiaries; transfer; disclaimer; time period; liability; effective date.

NY HB969

Georgia State Employees Post-employment Health Benefit Fund; certain fund beneficiaries to not be disqualified from postretirement health benefits; provide

NY A08655

Increases certain special accidental death benefits for state and local retirement system members.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.