The Peru Gazette

From the office of Assemblyman Billy Jones

The New York State Legislature recently passed A5630/S5849, sponsored by Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) and Senator Robert Jackson (D-Manhattan), known as the Death Gamble bill. This bill would allow the beneficiary of a member of the state retirement system employed by the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) as correction officers to receive the death benefits the member would have received if they retired at the date of death. This legislation also includes security hospital treatment assistants employed by the Office of Mental Health (OMH).

Current law does not allow beneficiaries to receive any benefits if they are still employed by DOCCS or OMH at the time of the death but an exception for law enforcement officers, firefighters, and teachers was passed in 2000. This bill was first introduced several years ago and was a top priority for law enforcement groups and the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA). Thanks to Assemblyman Jones, this legislation was able to cross the finish line to provide these much-needed benefits.

“This is a major victory for correction officers and their loved ones,” said Jones. “It is about time that correction officers receive the same treatment as law enforcement officers, firefighters, and teachers who choose to work after they reach retirement age. This bill not only ensures that correction officers and their families receive the benefits they are entitled to and work so hard for but also provides peace of mind that their loved ones will be taken care of once they are gone.”

While A5630 passed the State Assembly early Friday morning, thanks to Senator Jackson’s efforts, S5849 passed the State Senate later that day and now awaits the Governor’s signature.