New York Senate Bill S03488

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/25
• Refer: 1/28/25
• Report Pass: 5/20/25
• Engrossed: 6/11/25
• Refer: 6/11/25
• Engrossed: 6/17/25
• Enrolled: 12/8/25
• Vetoed: 12/19/25

Caption

Provides a performance of duty presumption for diseases of the heart for members who serve as an ambulance medical technician, ambulance medical coordinator, ambulance medical technician/supervisor or a member who performs ambulance medical technician related services, or a police medic, police medic coordinator, police medic supervisor, bureau director police emergency ambulance services - county, assistant bureau director police emergency ambulance services - county, or a member who performs police medic or police emergency ambulance related services and is employed in the Nassau county police department.

Summary

Bill S03488 amends the retirement and social security law to establish a presumption of disability benefits for certain members of the Nassau County Police Department who suffer from heart-related impairments. Specifically, it applies to ambulance medical technicians, police medics, and related roles, allowing them to receive performance of duty (POD) disability benefits if they can demonstrate that their condition arose during their service, provided they passed a physical examination upon entry that did not reveal any heart disease. This presumption can only be overturned by competent evidence to the contrary. The bill aims to provide a safety net for first responders who may develop heart conditions due to the nature of their work, recognizing the risks associated with their duties. It is expected to increase the number of POD disability benefits awarded to eligible members, thereby enhancing their financial security in the event of a health impairment linked to their service. The bill also specifies that all costs associated with its implementation will be borne by Nassau County, including an estimated one-time payment for past service costs and ongoing annual contributions based on the number of affected members. The anticipated fiscal impact includes an increase in Nassau County's contributions, estimated at approximately $30,000 annually, with an immediate past service cost of about $51,400. The bill is designed to streamline the process for affected members to receive benefits, potentially leading to a higher number of claims being approved under the new presumption of duty-related heart conditions. Overall, the sentiment around the bill appears to be positive, as evidenced by unanimous support in committee and on the Senate and Assembly floors, indicating a strong consensus on the need to support first responders facing health challenges related to their service. The discussions surrounding the bill have focused on the importance of protecting those who serve in high-risk roles, although there may be concerns regarding the financial implications for Nassau County's budget in the long term.

Impact

The bill will amend existing retirement and social security laws to create a presumption of duty-related heart disease for specific employees of the Nassau County Police Department. This change is expected to simplify the process for these individuals to claim disability benefits, thereby potentially increasing the number of claims approved. The financial burden of these benefits will fall on Nassau County, which may lead to increased budgetary allocations for public safety and health-related expenses. The law aims to ensure that first responders are adequately supported in the event of health impairments resulting from their duties.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding Bill S03488 is overwhelmingly supportive, as indicated by the unanimous votes in both the Senate and Assembly. The discussions have highlighted the importance of providing adequate support to first responders, with no recorded opposition during the voting process. This reflects a shared recognition of the risks faced by these individuals and a commitment to ensuring their well-being.

Contention

While there appears to be broad support for the bill, potential points of contention may arise regarding the financial implications for Nassau County, particularly concerning the increased costs associated with the presumption of benefits. Some stakeholders may express concerns about the long-term sustainability of funding these benefits, especially if the number of claims increases significantly. However, no formal opposition has been recorded during the legislative process.