Establishes alternative twenty and twenty-five year plans for certain officers of state law enforcement

• Democratic6

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Robert Jackson says this is needed

The Police Benevolent Association of New York State, which is comprised of forest rangers, regional park police, environmental conservation officers and state university police officers are members of the Agency Police Bargaining Unit. The Agency Police Bargaining Unit currently has a 25-year retirement plan in which they receive 50% of their final aver- age salary and 1.66% thereafter, at a maximum of 32 years with a maximum 61.66% final average salary. However, New York State Troopers and approximately 97% of Municipal Police officers have a 20-year retirement plan in which they can receive 50% of their final average salary. Many of them have an additional bene- fit commonly referred to as "1/60", which means for every year above 20 years of employment, they receive an additional 1/60th or 1.66% of their final average salary. This will cap at 32 years of service, which will equate to 70%. To rectify this discrepancy and provide equity among law enforcement officers this legislation authorizes the Agency Police Bargaining Unit to create a 20-year retirement plan in which they can receive 50% of their final average salary. This plan applies to members who were in service on or after January 1, 2010. They can also receive a "1/60" benefit for each additional year beyond 20 years of employment. This will be capped at 75% of their final annual salary. This legislation also creates an alternative 25-year plan for members who were in service prior to January 1, 2010 and members who were in service within one year of the effective date or who elect within one year of their employment. After 25 years of creditable service, they are eligible to receive a pension benefit equating to 58% of their final annual salary. They are also eligible for a "1/60" benefit for each additional year beyond 25 years of employment. This cannot exceed 75% of their final annual salary.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.