New York Senate Bill S03960

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/25
• Refer: 1/31/25
• Report Pass: 4/29/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Places limits on the additional member contributions required of certain EMTs in the twenty-five year retirement program.

Summary

This bill amends the Retirement and Social Security Law to cap the total employee pension contribution rate for certain EMTs in the NYCERS twenty-five-year retirement program. For Tier 6 participants, the bill requires that the additional member contribution be reduced as needed so that, when combined with the basic member contribution under section 613, total employee contributions do not exceed 9.25% of pensionable compensation. The bill also updates the statutory language to use gender-neutral terms such as “they” and “their.” In practical terms, the measure lowers required payroll deductions for affected EMTs whose current combined contribution rate can exceed 9.25%, while leaving basic member contributions unchanged. The fiscal note indicates the change would apply beginning April 1 after enactment and would primarily affect New York City through NYCERS, with projected increases in employer pension costs over time and an estimated increase in unfunded actuarial liability that would be amortized over 19 years.

Impact

The bill would amend section 604-e of the Retirement and Social Security Law, specifically the provisions governing the EMT twenty-five-year retirement program. It would not change eligibility for the plan or the basic contribution structure, but it would limit the additional member contribution so the total employee contribution rate cannot exceed 9.25% of pay for the affected participants. The fiscal note projects reduced employee contributions and corresponding increased employer contributions, with the financial impact borne entirely by New York City through NYCERS.

Sentiment

The available legislative history suggests the bill was received favorably in committee, passing the Senate Civil Service and Pensions Committee unanimously by a 7-0 vote. The bill text and fiscal note frame the measure as a targeted contribution adjustment for a defined group of EMT retirement plan members, and there is no recorded committee transcript indicating opposition. Overall, the sentiment appears supportive, with the main focus on pension contribution fairness and affordability for affected EMTs.

Contention

The principal policy issue is fiscal rather than eligibility-based: the bill shifts a portion of retirement funding from employees to the employer by capping employee contributions, which increases NYCERS employer costs and creates additional unfunded liability. Supporters would likely view this as relief for EMTs in a demanding public safety occupation, while any concerns would center on the long-term cost to New York City and the pension system. No specific opposition is documented in the provided materials, but the fiscal impact is the clearest point of potential contention.