On September 11, 2025, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul signed a package of bills to strengthen protections and expand benefits for the 9/11 community. The legislative package expands opportunities for children and siblings of fallen sanitation workers through added points on civil service exams, ensures continued oversight of responder health by revitalizing the 9/11 Worker Protection Task Force, and streamlines the process for securing World Trade Center disability and death benefits. It also provides direct support to surviving spouses, such as granting Deputy Sheriff Richard Steuber’s widow a 75 percent accidental disability retirement benefit, underscoring the state’s commitment to honoring the sacrifices of first responders and their families.
- Civil Service Exam Benefits for Families of Sanitation Workers (A.2123A/S.1165-A, “The Ignizio Giacolone Act”). Children and siblings of New York City sanitation workers who died from 9/11-related illnesses or injuries will now receive additional points on civil service exams for municipal positions, giving them expanded career opportunities within their communities.
- Expansion of the 9/11 Worker Protection Task Force (A.8417/S.8181). The legislation revitalizes the task force by requiring new appointments, setting biannual meeting requirements, expanding the scope of studies, and extending its mandate until June 10, 2030. This ensures ongoing oversight and advocacy for responder health and benefits.
- Streamlined World Trade Center Disability and Death Benefits (S.4554A/A.5458-A). The application process is expedited by allowing the NYC Police Pension Fund to rely on a properly filed Notice of Participation to establish eligibility, unless disproven by an employer. This reduces delays and barriers for responders and their families.
- Support for Surviving Spouses (S.8024B/A.8645-A). The law grants Stacie Stueber, surviving spouse of Deputy Sheriff Richard Steuber, a 75 percent accidental disability retirement benefit, recognizing the lasting sacrifices made by families of first responders.
A Legacy of Advocacy
Pitta & Baione LLP has long supported legislative reforms such as these that improve outcomes for the 9/11 community. On the 9/11 anniversary of 2022, with our direct input and advocacy, Governor Hochul changed New York’s trust and estates laws, streamlining how claims under the VCF are handled for deceased individuals and their beneficiaries. Before these reforms, beneficiaries often had to obtain “unrestricted letters” from the Surrogate’s Court or clarify limits on the personal representative’s authority for wrongful death or injury awards to be processed, which caused pointless and painful delays for grieving families of 9/11 victims
Pitta & Baione Partner Christopher Baione commented on today’s legislation package:
“On behalf of the many sanitation workers, police officers, and other responders we represent, we applaud New York’s continued commitment to strengthening protections for the 9/11 community. Years ago, our firm helped champion changes to the state’s trust and estates laws that streamlined Victim Compensation Fund claims in Surrogate’s Court. It is encouraging to see that progress continue with new laws that will directly benefit the families and public servants who sacrificed so much. Beyond these state level efforts, we can’t forget the ongoing federal legislative battle to fund the World Trade Center Health Program.”
That experience, combined with the efforts of our affiliated firm, Pitta Bishop Del Giorno LLC, which advocated on this year’s package of bills, shows our continued commitment to standing with responders and survivors.
Pitta & Baione Partner Vito R. Pitta highlighted the role of the firm’s affiliated lobbying and consulting practice:
“We are particularly proud that our affiliated lobbying and consulting firm, Pitta Bishop & Del Giorno LLC, which has represented the Uniformed Sanitationmen’s Association for decades, was instrumental in advocating successfully for the Ignazio Giacalone Act.”
Continuing Progress
Governor Hochul has made it a hallmark of her administration to sign 9/11-related legislation annually on the anniversary. These efforts represent steady progress toward a system that better serves the responders and families who bore the brunt of the attacks’ aftermath.
For more context on past reforms, see our coverage of New York’s revised 9/11 laws that simplified victims’ claims.
Get Help with 9/11 Benefits
If you or a loved one are a 9/11 responder, survivor, or family member, you may be entitled to benefits through the Victim Compensation Fund. The attorneys at Pitta & Baione LLP have decades of experience representing the 9/11 community. Contact us today for a free consultation.
