Senator Kemp Hannon announced a new law that establishes presumptive eligibility for accidental disability for certain public employees exposed to the World Trade Center tragedy of September 11, 2001.

"Many public employees, including police, fire, correction, sanitation and civilians rendered rescue, recovery and cleanup at the World Trade Center site and other designated locations. Early statistics indicate these workers were exposed to numerous hazards which may impact their health now and in the years to come," Hannon said.

For those public employees exposed to hazards and who can no longer perform their jobs, the new law permits them to apply for an accidental disability retirement by proving that the illness or injury, even after retirement, was caused by exposure to any elements at the World Trade Center site.

Hannon added, "It is beyond question that the state must recognize the services that these individuals provided not only to the victims and their families, but to all citizens of New York City, New York State and the rest of the country."