NY A06342

Extends performance of duty (POD) disability retirement benefits to qualifying members of the New York State and Local Employees' Retirement System employed as safety officers, in addition to existing coverage for security hospital treatment assistants.

Establishes presumption that HIV, tuberculosis, and hepatitis contracted through exposure to bodily fluids from incarcerated individuals or persons in mental health institutions are work-related disabilities, unless disproven by competent evidence.

Presumes that heart disease resulting in disability or death for currently employed safety officers is work-related if they passed a pre-employment physical examination showing no evidence of heart disease, unless disproven by competent evidence.

Provides disability benefit equal to 75 percent of final average salary less workers' compensation for eligible members who become incapacitated due to injuries sustained in performance of duties.

Fiscal impact: approximately $1.10 million annual increase in state contributions starting fiscal year 2025, plus a one-time past service cost of $5.78 million, affecting approximately 611 state-employed members with annual salary of approximately $54 million as of March 31, 2023.