New York Assembly Bill A10256

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/12/26
• Refer: 2/12/26

Caption

Grants retroactive tier IV membership in the New York state and local employees' retirement system to Katie Adamek

Summary

A10256 is a private retirement bill that would grant retroactive Tier IV membership in the New York State and Local Employees’ Retirement System (NYSLERS) to Katie Adamek, a Schenectady City School District employee. The bill states that she began employment on November 23, 2009 and, through no fault of her own, did not become a member of NYSLERS when she first became eligible. If she applies to the State Comptroller within one year of the act’s effective date, her membership date would be adjusted to November 23, 2009 and she would receive Tier IV status and the associated rights and benefits. The bill also specifies that there would be no refund of member contributions to Adamek. Instead, all past service costs created by the retroactive membership change would be paid by the Schenectady City School District. The act would take effect immediately.

Impact

The bill would amend the application of NYSLERS membership rules for one individual by treating Katie Adamek as if she had joined the retirement system on her original eligibility date rather than as a Tier V member. This would change her retirement benefits and obligations under the system, while shifting the fiscal burden of the retroactive benefit adjustment to the Schenectady City School District. According to the fiscal note, the district would face an immediate past service cost of about $87,000 and an ongoing annual contribution increase of about $2,300 beginning in fiscal year 2027.

Sentiment

The available record shows no committee transcript or recorded votes, so there is no direct evidence of debate or opposition in the materials provided. The bill’s structure suggests a narrow, individualized benefit correction rather than a broad policy change, which often indicates limited but targeted support. The fiscal note is neutral and administrative in tone, focusing on the cost estimate rather than policy arguments.

Contention

The main potential point of contention is the cost shift to the Schenectady City School District, which would be responsible for both the one-time past service cost and the ongoing increase in employer contributions. Another possible issue is the precedent of granting retroactive Tier IV status to an individual who is currently a Tier V member, since such bills can raise concerns about fairness, eligibility errors, and the treatment of similarly situated employees. No specific objections or supporters are identified in the provided materials.