Authorizes the beneficiaries of John E. Johnson to receive a death benefit which is not reduced because he was over 60 years of age

Title of bill

An act to authorize the designated beneficiary or beneficiaries of John E. Johnson to receive a death benefit equal to three times his salary without reduction based on mortality

Purpose

To provide a death benefit without penalty to the beneficiary or beneficiaries of John E. Johnson.

Summary of provisions

Section 1-provides that the beneficiary or beneficiaries of John E. Johnson shall receive a death benefit based upon his pension reserve calculated as if he died at the age of 60.

Section 2-contains the effective date.

Justification

John E. Johnson was the Director of Clinton County Mental Health Services who passed away unexpectedly February 18,2004 at the age of 66 while attending a County Health Committee meeting. Mr. Johnson had intended to retire within six months of his untimely death. However, because John worked six years past the age of 60, his death benefit is reduced four percent for every year he worked resulting in a total reduction of 24 percent.

This legislation would remove this 24 percent penalty and restore his death benefit to the full amount.

Legislative history

2007/08: S.1107 Civil Service & Pensions/A.1774 Governmental Employees 2006: S.1601-A Civil Service & Pensions/A.7846-A Governmental Employees 2005: S.1601 3rd Reading/A.7846-A Governmental Employees 2004: S.7472-A Rules

Fiscal implications

This bill will entitle the estate of John E. Johnson, a former employee of the State of New York as well as Clinton County, to a death benefit of three times salary, plus Mr. Johnson's accumulated contributions, without any reduction for age. It is anticipated that there will be an immediate past service cost of approximately $96,700, which will be share by the State of New York and all the participating employers of the New York State and Local Employees' Retirement System.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.