In relation to providing county correction officers with a special optional twenty year retirement plan

8 Co-sponsors

• Joseph P. Addabbo Jr.
• David Carlucci
• Rich Funke
• Patrick M. Gallivan
• Timothy M. Kennedy
• Roxanne J. Persaud
• Michael H. Ranzenhofer
• Diane J. Savino

Title of bill

An act to amend the retirement and social security law, in relation to providing county correction officers with a special optional twenty year retirement plan

Purpose or general idea

This bill will allow county correction officers and deputy sheriffs who are engaged in correction officer duties to become covered by the provisions of a special 20-year retirement plan, which will provide a benefit of one-half of final average salary upon retirement, if the employing county elects to provide such benefits.

Summary of provisions

This legislation amends the Retirement and Social Security Law by adding a new Article 14-C (Optional Retirement Plan for County Correction Officers or Deputy Sheriffs Performing as Correction Officers). Deputy sheriffs included in this legislation must be engaged directly in correction officer duties that aggregate fifty per centum of their service. A demand in collective bargaining negotiations for these additional pension benefits shall not be considered a mandatory subject of negotiations nor be subject to binding arbitration.

Justification

County correction officers and deputy sheriffs who perform correction officer duties work under some of the most dangerous and stressful conditions. They are faced with the daily challenge of effectively managing an overcrowded inmate population. During their shift, these law enforcement professionals are confined with the worst individuals society has to offer: murderers, child molesters, rapists, drug dealers and violent gang members. With the closing of mental health institutions, prisons and jails are housing the mentally disturbed who are a danger to themselves and to the men and women that staff the correctional facility. Always aware of the possibility of an unprovoked inmate attack or uprising, correction officers and deputy sheriff jailors must be physically and mentally prepared for confrontations which could result in their injury or death on a daily basis. Dealing with the occupational stresses can pose pervasive problems for these dedicated public servants including a lowered life expectancy, depression, substance abuse, and even suicide.

Correction officers and deputy sheriff jailors must complete rigorous academy training and have peace officer status. These professionals are providing critical public safety services, but they are receiving inferior pension benefits compared to other law enforcement personnel that perform dangerous and demanding duties. This legislation would put an end to this disparity.

Fiscal implications

If this bill is enacted, the increase in the annual contributions of a county electing to provide these benefits would depend on the current salary and plan coverage of the affected members in its employ, as well as on the proposed plan elected by such county. For the fiscal year ending March 31, 2017, the additional annual cost for the twenty (20) year plan will be 4.8% of the affected correction officers' salaries for those currently covered by a twenty-five (25) year plan, and 7.3% of the affected correction officers' salaries for those currently covered by a regular age 55-plan. The additional annual cost for the twenty (20) year plan with additional sixtieths will be an additional 0.5% of the affected salaries.

However, in addition to the annual contributions discussed above, there will be an immediate past service cost for the affected officers which would depend on the current salary, plan, age and length service of officers, as well as on their proposed plan. This cost would be paid over a period of up to ten (10) years as determined by the employing county that elects the benefit.

Effective date

Immediately.