New York Assembly Bill A11538

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

Caption

Extends the expansion of eligibility for World Trade Center death and disability benefits for members of New York's organized militia

Summary

This bill amends section 217 of the Military Law to extend the deadline for filing claims for World Trade Center-related death and disability benefits for members of New York’s organized militia. Under current law, eligible militia members who were activated on state active duty on or after September 11, 2001 to assist with World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations may receive a performance-of-duty disability pension if they later develop a qualifying World Trade Center condition. The bill extends the claim-filing deadline from September 11, 2026 to September 11, 2030. The bill also extends the same filing deadline for accidental death benefits payable to the surviving spouse, children under 21, or dependent parent of an eligible militia member whose death is determined to result from a qualifying World Trade Center condition. In both cases, the Adjutant General of the Division of Military and Naval Affairs remains authorized to adopt regulations to carry out the law, and the act takes effect immediately.

Impact

The bill changes New York Military Law section 217 by lengthening the window for eligible organized militia members and their survivors to submit claims for World Trade Center death and disability benefits. It does not alter the underlying eligibility standards or benefit formulas, but it preserves access to benefits for a longer period by moving the deadline to 2030. The affected parties are members of New York’s organized militia who served on state active duty at the World Trade Center site, as well as their surviving spouses, children, and dependent parents.

Sentiment

The available context suggests generally supportive sentiment, as the bill is a targeted extension of an existing benefits program for responders and their families. The bill passed the Senate, and there is no recorded committee opposition or vote breakdown in the provided materials. The measure appears to be framed as a continuation of support for service-related health and death claims tied to 9/11 response duties.

Contention

No specific opposition or debate is provided in the transcripts or vote history. The main policy issue is the extension of the filing deadline itself: supporters would likely view the longer deadline as necessary to ensure eligible members and families have adequate time to file claims, while any concern would center on the continued administrative and fiscal exposure of extending benefit eligibility. The bill does not appear to change who qualifies, only how long claims may be filed.