Relates to applying cost-of-living adjustments

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Addabbo and 2 co-sponsors

New York Senate Bill S7614 would apply cost-of-living adjustments to public sector benefits and pensions, detailing when, how much, and funding for retirees and workers.

REFERRED TO CIVIL SERVICE AND PENSIONS

Bill Summary: S 7614 — Relates to applying cost-of-living adjustments

Overview

S 7614 is a New York Senate bill introduced on April 23, 2025, titled “Relates to applying cost-of-living adjustments.” The bill’s status is "REFERRED TO CIVIL SERVICE AND PENSIONS," indicating it has been assigned to the Senate committee that handles matters related to civil service and pension policies. The primary sponsor is Senator Robert Jackson, with Senator Pete Harckham and Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. listed as cosponsors.

What the bill would do (as indicated by its title)

The bill relates to applying cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs). The public-facing materials do not provide the exact text or scope of provisions.

Based on the title and the committee focus, the measure would address how COLAs are implemented for relevant public-sector benefits or compensation. Specific details such as which programs are covered, the formula for COLA calculations, eligibility, timing, caps/floors, and funding mechanisms are not provided in the available summary.

Key provisions and changes (limited by available information)

The substantive provisions (scope, formula, annual timing, and funding) are not included in the provided materials. Readers should consult the bill’s text once available to understand:

Which benefits or payroll elements would receive COLAs (e.g., retiree pensions, active employee salaries, or both).
The CPI or index used, the frequency of adjustments, and any caps or floors.
Any conditions, triggers, or limits on COLA application.
Funding implications for pension funds or operating budgets, and any actuarial requirements.

Affected parties

Likely affected groups include public employees, retirees, and pension systems overseen by the state. The exact beneficiaries or programs covered would be clarified in the bill’s full text.

Legislative status and timeline

Introduced: April 23, 2025.

Current status: Referred to the Civil Service and Pensions committee.

Legislative actions recorded: two listings on 2025-04-23 noting the referral to Civil Service and Pensions (likely a formatting duplication in the record).

Next steps (if advanced): the bill would move through committee hearings, potential amendments, and votes in the Senate; it could also generate a companion Assembly bill or fiscal notes.

Sponsors and related legislation

Primary sponsor: Senator Robert Jackson.

Cosponsors: Senator Pete Harckham; Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr.

Related bills (from prior sessions) include S 3919, S 6785, S 6049, S 5902, S 6651, S 6160.

Companion: Assembly A 8207 (listed twice in the related materials).

Notes for readers

The current summary reflects the information available in the bill record. For a complete understanding of the bill’s intent, provisions, and fiscal impact, the full text and any fiscal notes should be reviewed once published.