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S 9300

Increases the mandatory retirement age of members of the uniformed force of the fire department of the city of New York from sixty-five to sixty-seven

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Chan and 3 co-sponsors

Raises NYFD uniformed members' mandatory retirement age from 65 to 67, with optional up to two-year extensions (to 75) and transfer alignment, excluding medical officers.

REFERRED TO CIVIL SERVICE AND PENSIONS
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Bill Summary · S 9300

Bill Summary: S 9300 (Session 2025-2026, New York)

Title

Increases the mandatory retirement age of members of the uniformed force of the fire department of the City of New York from 65 to 67.

Purpose and Intent

The bill amends the Administrative Code of the City of New York to raise the age at which members of the NYFD’s uniformed force must retire due to superannuation from 65 to 67. It also clarifies related provisions for those who transfer membership and for extended service options at older ages, while preserving certain exceptions.

Key Provisions

1) Section 15-121 – Termination of service due to superannuation

  • The mandatory retirement age for most members of the NYFD uniformed force is raised:
    • Former: 65 years
    • New: 67 years
  • Exceptions:
    • Medical officers are not subject to this change (existing rule remains separate).
    • Members who are not yet eligible for retirement at 65 but have 35+ years of credited city service may continue to serve until they reach 35 years of service, provided they are capable of duties. This 35-year rule:
    • Applies only to members in service on December 1, 1971.
    • Does not apply to chaplains or medical officers.
  • Optional post-retirement extensions:
    • A member whose retirement becomes mandatory under the new rule may request, with the commissioner's approval, to be continued as a member for up to two additional years.
    • The board of estimate may approve such extensions if advantageous to public service.
    • After the extended period, the member may receive further two-year extensions, but in no event may they be continued beyond age 75.

2) Section 13-145.1 (Subdivision j) – Transfers and membership

  • If a member elects a transfer of membership, they must still retire at the new mandatory retirement age of 67 (as per Section 15-121(a)) in the same manner as non-medical officers.

3) Effective Date

  • The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Target population: Members of the New York City Fire Department’s uniformed force (excluding medical officers and chaplains with respect to certain provisions).
  • Impacts:
    • Increases mandatory retirement age from 65 to 67 for most uniformed members.
    • Maintains a pathway for extended service beyond 65 in two-year increments (up to age 75) for those who retire earlier due to mandatory retirement, subject to commissioner approval and public service considerations.
    • Clarifies retirement timing for those who transfer membership, aligning with the new age requirement.
    • Retains the existing exceptions for chaplains and medical officers (i.e., they are not subject to the age increase under the same framework).

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Committee: Civil Service and Pensions (as of February 26, 2026).
  • Passage timeline: Bill introduced February 26, 2026; referred to committee. If enacted, the provisions become effective immediately.
  • Transitional considerations: The bill contains transitional allowances (e.g., 35-year service exception for those in service since 1971; two-year extension periods) to manage the shift in retirement age and workforce planning.

Notes for Readers

  • This summary focuses on substantive changes to retirement policy for NYC firefighters and the practical implications for service duration, extensions, and transfers.
  • The bill distinguishes between medical officers (not subject to the same retirement age rule) and other uniformed members.
  • The extension provisions are designed to balance public service needs with individual career timelines, but are subject to consent and periodic renewals.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with the current law or a plain-language FAQ for affected personnel.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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