New York to consider eliminating remarriage stipulation on death benefits

New York lawmakers are considering a bill that would eliminate all language in the state’s workers compensation law that would stop surviving spouses who are receiving death benefits from losing such benefits upon remarriage.

A.B. 5788, introduced Thursday and sent to the labor committee, amends current law that states a surviving spouse would lose access to death benefits within two years of remarriage.

It would add language to the law that states “the remarriage of such spouse shall not affect his or her status as a widow or widower” when receiving benefits.

The changes would take effect 60 days after the bill becomes law.