S 8096 New York Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Prohibits the diminution of retiree health benefits by a public employer

Summary

Prevents public employers from diminishing health insurance benefits provided to retirees and their dependents or the contributions such employer makes for such health insurance coverage below the level of such benefits or contributions made on behalf of such retirees and their dependents by such public employer.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

May 2025

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced May 15, 2025 Last action Jan 27, 2026

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What changed between versions

S8096 → S8096A · 6 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to significantly narrow its scope from covering all public employers to only professional police and fire fighters. The title was changed from 'Health Equity for Retirees Act' to 'prohibiting the diminution of retiree health benefits by a public employer.' The act now only applies to retirees who retired before, on, or after the effective date, with specific protections for those who retired from non-collective bargaining positions.

Scope change

The bill's scope was narrowed from all public employers to only professional police and fire fighters in New York State.

SCOPE

Changed the definition of 'public employer' from all state and local government entities to only professional police and fire fighters in New York.

ELIGIBILITY

Added specific language clarifying that protections apply to retirees who retired before, on, or after the effective date of the act.

REQUIREMENT

Added a provision stating the act does not supersede collective bargaining agreements.

Added a provision prohibiting diminution of benefits for retirees from non-collective bargaining positions.

Added a provision exempting public employers who do not currently provide retiree health benefits from having to offer them.

TIMELINE

Changed the effective date from 'immediately' to January 1, 2027, with an exception for laws passed after that date.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Jan 27, 2026

Upper · Passed

PRINT NUMBER 8096A

upper

Jan 27, 2026

Upper · Passed

AMEND (T) AND RECOMMIT TO CIVIL SERVICE AND PENSIONS

upper

Jan 7, 2026

Committee

REFERRED TO CIVIL SERVICE AND PENSIONS

upper

May 15, 2025

Committee

REFERRED TO CIVIL SERVICE AND PENSIONS

upper

1 primary · 47 co-sponsors