New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A497

Introduced
1/11/22  
Refer
1/11/22  

Caption

Limits extension of mandatory retirement to 90 days from State Police Retirement System during emergencies.

Impact

The implementation of A497 will directly affect state laws regarding the retirement terms of the State Police. Previously, officers could request to remain on duty indefinitely after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 55 during emergencies, which could lead to staffing challenges and impeded career progress for others in the system. With the new stipulation, the Superintendent of the State Police will have to exercise discretion in granting extensions, thereby potentially enhancing the operational efficiency of the Police Division by reducing the number of long-term extensions that might inhibit new promotions.

Summary

Assembly Bill A497 amends existing legislation concerning the mandatory retirement age for members of the State Police Retirement System. Specifically, the bill limits the extension of retirement to a maximum of 90 days during declared public health emergencies or state emergencies. This change is a response to the prior allowance for indefinite extensions, aimed at retaining experienced personnel during critical periods when their expertise is necessary for public safety response efforts. By providing a finite timeframe for optional service extension, A497 seeks to balance staffing needs against the opportunities for promotion among younger officers awaiting advancement.

Contention

One notable area of contention arising from A497 involves discussions about the adequacy of staffing during emergencies. While proponents argue that a 90-day limit ensures that necessary personnel can be retained during crises, critics may express concerns about how this change could lead to shortages in experienced personnel if multiple emergencies occur in a short timeframe. There may also be debates concerning how the Superintendent's discretion is exercised, as it introduces a subjective element to decisions that could affect the careers of individual officers. The careful balance between operational needs and fair career advancement opportunities remains a key challenge.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NJ S546

Raises mandatory retirement age for SPRS members from 55 to 60.

NJ S798

Raises mandatory retirement age for SPRS members from 55 to 60.

NJ SB331

State Police Retirement System - Mandatory Retirement Age - Repeal

NJ HB1304

To Set A Limitation Period For The Correction Of Errors Under The Arkansas Public Employees' Retirement System And The State Police Retirement System.

NJ HB1907

Public retirement systems; Teachers' Retirement System of Oklahoma; normal retirement; Rule of 80; post-retirement earnings limitation; effective date; emergency.

NJ A874

Reinstates automatic COLA for retirement benefits of members of the State-administered retirement systems.

NJ H0324

An act relating to mandatory retirement age of the Vermont State Retirement System

NJ SB1201

Va. Retirement & State Police Officers' Retirement Systems; retirement benefit for 911 dispatchers.

NJ H4781

Extension for mandatory retirement

NJ H4780

Extension for mandatory retirement

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.