NY A09143

Modifies death benefits for state-paid judges and justices of the Unified Court System and housing judges of the Civil Court of New York City who are retirement-eligible members.

Allows beneficiaries to elect a lump sum death benefit equal to the pension reserve that would have been established if the judge or justice had retired on their date of death, or the value of the death benefit plus any reserve-for-increased-take-home-pay, whichever is greater.

Applies to deaths occurring on or after the bill's effective date and covers retired judges of the Court of Appeals and retired justices of the Supreme Court serving pursuant to certification by the administrative board of courts.

Establishes that all past service costs be borne by the State of New York, amortized over 10 years if elected, with estimated immediate past service cost of approximately $3.86 million and annual contribution increase of approximately $243,000 for fiscal year 2025.

Exempts the bill's provisions from the appropriation requirement of Section 25 of the Retirement and Social Security Law and takes effect immediately upon enactment.