New York Senate Bill S07383

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/11/25
• Refer: 4/11/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Allows Christopher Collins to be eligible to take the civil service exam for the position of police officer with the Saugerties police department.

Summary

This bill is a narrow, person-specific measure that would allow Christopher Collins to sit for the competitive civil service examination for a police officer position with the Saugerties Police Department in Ulster County. It overrides section 58 of the Civil Service Law, or any other conflicting law, solely for this individual so that he may be considered for placement on the eligible list for appointment as a full-time police officer if he scores sufficiently on the exam. The bill also states that Collins remains subject to the merit and fitness requirements of the civil service law applicable to full-time deputy sheriffs. In practical terms, the legislation creates a special exception to existing civil service eligibility rules, but does not guarantee appointment; it only opens the door for him to compete for the position under the normal examination process.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would create a one-time statutory exemption from the usual civil service eligibility restrictions for a named individual, effectively amending the application of Civil Service Law section 58 for this specific case. It would affect the Saugerties Police Department’s hiring process only as to Christopher Collins, while leaving the broader civil service framework intact for other applicants and agencies.

Sentiment

Because there are no committee transcripts or recorded votes provided, the available record does not show formal debate or opposition. The bill’s tone is straightforward and administrative, suggesting a targeted accommodation rather than a controversial policy change. The absence of recorded legislative discussion makes it difficult to assess broader sentiment beyond the bill’s neutral, individualized purpose.

Contention

The main point of potential contention is the bill’s special treatment of a named person, which may raise fairness or precedent concerns because it carves out an exception to generally applicable civil service rules. Any support would likely come from those seeking to permit Collins to compete for the position, while any concern would likely center on whether individualized legislation is appropriate in a merit-based hiring system. No specific opposing arguments are documented in the provided materials.