NYCLA Officer’s Statement on Gov. Hochul’s Veto of the Death Gamble

NYCLA’s officers note with disappointment that on December 13, Governor Hochul vetoed the so-called “Death Gamble” bill, which was designed to provide the families of judges who die in office with the same level of benefits that they would have received if the judge had retired and then died. NYCLA has written in support of this legislation on multiple occasions.  The existing system discourages senior, experienced jurists from continuing to serve, thus depriving the judiciary and the public of their experience and skills.

In her veto message, Governor Hochul noted that the Legislature had not appropriated additional funds to pay for the additional benefits.  We note that the OCA explicitly attempted to fund this from its existing budget, but it appears the Governor is looking for the Legislature to remedy any budget gap.

We urge the Governor and the Legislature to work together in the next legislative session to pass a revised “death gamble” bill that can be enacted into law.  Our hard-working and able judiciary deserves no less.

About the New York County Lawyers Association

The New York County Lawyers Association (nycla.org) was founded in 1908 as one of the first major bar associations in the country that admitted members without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, or gender. Since its inception, it has pioneered some of the most far-reaching and tangible reforms in American jurisprudence and has continuously played an active role in legal developments and public policy.

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