Provides for certain death benefits to correction officers, correction officer-sergeants, correction officer-captains, assistant wardens, associate wardens or wardens employed by Orange county.
Summary
Bill S05726 amends the retirement and social security law to provide specific death benefits for correction officers and certain supervisory staff employed by Orange County. The bill allows beneficiaries of eligible correction officers who die while in service to receive a lump sum payment equivalent to the pension reserve that would have been established had the officer retired on the date of their death. This provision aims to enhance the financial security of the families of correction officers who serve in high-risk positions.
Impact
The enactment of this bill will modify the existing death benefit structure for correction officers in Orange County, resulting in increased financial obligations for the county. The county will incur a one-time past service cost of approximately $324,000, which can be amortized over ten years. Additionally, the annual contributions from Orange County to the retirement system are expected to increase by about $42,000 for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, with future costs anticipated to average 0.1% of salary annually.
Sentiment
The sentiment around Bill S05726 appears to be largely supportive, as evidenced by the voting history. The bill passed unanimously in the Senate Civil Service and Pensions Committee with 7 votes in favor and no opposition. It also received overwhelming support on the Senate floor, passing with 58 votes in favor and only 1 against, indicating a strong consensus on the importance of providing enhanced benefits for correction officers.
Contention
While there has been broad support for the bill, potential points of contention may arise regarding the financial implications for Orange County, particularly the burden of the one-time past service cost and the ongoing increased contributions. Some stakeholders may express concerns about the sustainability of these costs and their impact on the county's budget, although specific opposition has not been documented in the discussions or votes.
Same As
Provides for certain death benefits to correction officers, correction officer-sergeants, correction officer-captains, assistant wardens, associate wardens or wardens employed by Orange county.
Provides for certain death benefits to correction officers, correction officer-sergeants, correction officer-captains, assistant wardens, associate wardens or wardens employed by Orange county.
Provides for certain death benefits to correction officers, correction officer-sergeants, correction officer-captains, assistant wardens, associate wardens or wardens employed by Orange county.
Provides for certain death benefits to correction officers, correction officer-sergeants, correction officer-captains, assistant wardens, associate wardens or wardens employed by Orange county.
Provides for certain death benefits to correction officers, correction officer-sergeants, correction officer-captains, assistant wardens, associate wardens or wardens employed by Westchester county.
Modifying the definition of security officer to include certain juvenile corrections officer positions for purposes of the KPERS correctional employees group.