Committee moves multiple civil service bills to floor, finance committees

The New York State Senate Civil Service and Pensions Committee met Feb. 11 and moved six bills to subsequent consideration, sending most measures either to the floor or the Senate Finance Committee. The committee recorded approvals on bills that would amend the Civil Service Law, Education Law and the Retirement and Social Security Law.

All bills listed below were approved by the committee and forwarded as noted. Where a roll-call count was not spoken during the roll call, the committee recorded unanimous approval in the session and members stated seven affirmative votes on at least one measure during the meeting.

Votes at a glance

- S.12 (Jackson) — To amend the Civil Service Law in relation to the rights of public employees related to suspension or demotion upon the abolition or reduction of positions. Moved by Senator White; second by Senator Scarcellus Banton. Outcome: approved; sent to the floor. Vote: unanimous (7-0 recorded in session).

- S.1011 (Brooke) — To amend the Education Law and the Retirement and Social Security Law in relation to changes of membership eligibility in a New York State retirement system. Moved by Senator Stella Spanton; second recorded. Outcome: approved; referred to Senate Finance. Vote: unanimous (7-0).

- S.1540 (Jackson) — To amend the Civil Service Law in relation to ensuring identical health benefits for skilled nursing care for public retirees. Moved by Senator White; second recorded. Outcome: approved; sent to the floor. Vote: unanimous (7-0).

- S.1724 / S.1725 (Jackson) — Amendments to the Civil Service Law concerning employer representation of state employees designated managerial or confidential. Moved by Senator White; second recorded. Outcome: approved; sent to the floor. Vote: unanimous (7-0).

- S.3557 (Jackson) — To amend the Retirement and Social Security Law to provide a heart disease presumption for correction officers, correction supervisors, deputy sheriffs patrol or deputy sheriff patrol supervisors. Moved by Senator Wike; second recorded. Outcome: approved; referred to Senate Finance. Vote: unanimous (7-0).

- S.3691 (Sanders) — To amend the Civil Service Law to prohibit employment of persons convicted of rebellion or insurrection against the authority of the United States. Moved and second recorded. Outcome: approved; referred to Senate Finance. Vote: unanimous (7-0).

Context and next steps

Committee chair Robert Jackson said five of the measures had been considered and reported out in the prior session; the committee moved them forward for additional legislative consideration. Several bills were slated for the Senate Finance Committee for further review; others were sent to the floor. The committee did not record any dissenting votes in the hearing.

Ending

The committee adjourned after completing its business. No additional committee votes or amendments were recorded during the meeting.