(Albany, NY) – Today, Senator Gustavo Rivera’s bill S.3815C, which would increase the duration of special accidental death benefits paid to a deceased member's children until the youngest child turns 26, passed the Senate.

Senator Rivera introduced this bill in 2023 after the horrific murder of Detective Miosotis P. Familia who was killed while on duty in an ambush attack in the Bronx in 2017. Her death left her three children without parental support, and exposed a gap in New York State pension law, which limits death benefits for children of fallen officers who are not survived by a spouse.

Detective Familia’s oldest daughter Genesis Villella has tirelessly advocated for this legislation to close that gap by extending and improving accidental death benefits for all orphaned children until the youngest turns 26, when no surviving spouse exists. As a result, this measure will ensure that these children are financially protected into adulthood as they navigate the tragedy of losing their parent.

A home rule by the New York City Council was approved on May 21, 2026 allowing this bill to come up for a vote in the New York State Legislature.

“The NYPD is responsible for fulfilling one of the most important missions: protecting New Yorkers. Our obligation as a state is to protect the family members of those who tragically die in the line of duty,” said Senator Gustavo Rivera. “My bill to include the orphaned child or children of police officers who die in the line of duty in the eligibility to claim accidental death benefits seeks to close this unfair gap. I admire the courageous fight that Genesis has embarked on as the oldest sibling and caregiver for her family and I am incredibly proud that it has passed the Legislature."