New York Senate Bill S09566

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/25/26
• Refer: 3/25/26

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.

Impact

The enactment of S09566 is likely to lead to an increase in disability benefits claimed by affected members of the Nassau County police department. The fiscal note accompanying the bill anticipates a past service cost of $211,000, which will be a one-time expense for Nassau County due to the historical disabilities accrued. This reflects a paradigm shift that acknowledges the various risks that emergency medical personnel and police medics face, thereby recognizing their dedication and sacrifices. Moreover, the ongoing costs related to new claims due to the broadened presumption may bring about budgetary implications for the county's retirement fund.

Summary

Bill S09566 proposes amendments to the retirement and social security law specifically addressing disability benefits for members of the Nassau County police department. The core of the bill is to provide a performance of duty presumption for heart-related diseases affecting individuals who serve in various medical capacities, including ambulance medical technicians and police medics. This presumption essentially assumes that any new heart disease diagnosis in these professionals occurred as a direct result of their duties, unless proved otherwise. This change is aimed at supporting the health and welfare of first responders in Nassau County who are at increased risk of such health issues due to the nature of their work.

Contention

While the bill has significant support among first responders and their advocates, there are underlying concerns regarding its fiscal ramifications. Some argue that providing a presumption for heart diseases could encourage claims that might not be directly related to duty, potentially placing additional strain on the retirement system. The precise measurements of overall costs are yet to be determined, but the current expectation is that any increase in claims will not materially affect Nassau County's annual contributions. Nonetheless, ongoing discussions will likely focus on balancing benefit provisions with the financial health of the retirement fund, as well as assessing the long-term impacts on public service staffing and operations.