Grants David Morse, the parent of firefighter Peyton Morse, who was employed by the city of Watertown, accidental death benefits.
Summary
Bill S03880 proposes to grant David Morse, the parent of deceased firefighter Peyton Morse, eligibility for accidental death benefits under New York's Retirement and Social Security Law. Peyton Morse, who served as a firefighter in Watertown and was a Tier 6 member of the New York State and Local Police and Fire Retirement System, passed away on March 12, 2021. The bill allows David Morse to file for these benefits, which were previously unavailable due to the absence of a statutory beneficiary at the time of Peyton's death. The bill mandates that any prior payments made to Peyton or his estate will be deducted from the benefits payable to David Morse upon filing.
Impact
If enacted, the bill will amend the current provisions of the Retirement and Social Security Law to allow David Morse to access accidental death benefits, which were not previously available due to the lack of a designated beneficiary. The state of New York will incur a one-time cost of approximately $1.70 million to cover the benefits, which will be paid on March 1, 2026. This change will set a precedent for similar cases where parents of deceased firefighters may seek benefits under comparable circumstances.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill S03880 appears to be positive, as evidenced by the unanimous support in the Senate Civil Service and Pensions Committee, where the bill passed with a vote of 6-0. There have been no recorded objections or significant opposition during the discussions, indicating a general consensus on the need to support the family of fallen firefighters.
Contention
While there is no significant contention noted in the discussions or voting history for this bill, the potential financial implications for the state budget may be a point of concern for some lawmakers. However, the bill's support suggests that the emotional and moral obligation to provide benefits to the family of a deceased firefighter is prioritized over budgetary concerns.
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.
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.
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.