New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A2487

Introduced
1/9/24  
Refer
1/9/24  

Caption

Permits certain retired public employees in PERS to collect pension while also collecting salary as an elected official.

Impact

The proposed changes under A2487 would directly affect New Jersey's laws concerning retired public employees. By allowing elected officials to receive both a salary and their pension benefits, the bill is likely to impact the dynamics of political office-holding for individuals approaching retirement age. This may encourage experienced individuals to stay in government roles longer, which could improve continuity and stability in governance. However, it raises questions about the sustainability of pension funds and whether it might create disparities among public employees who do not hold elected office.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2487 aims to permit certain retired public employees who are members of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) to collect their pension while simultaneously receiving a salary from their elected office. This bill provides a pathway for current elected officials who are also retired from public service to continue their public duties without the financial penalty typically associated with retirement benefits. Notably, this legislation would allow these individuals to retain their full salary without the requirement of making contributions during their public service, which is a significant change from typical retirement policies.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding this bill is its potential implications for taxpayer money and the broader public service landscape. Critics may argue that allowing public officials to draw a salary along with pension benefits could exacerbate issues around fiscal responsibility within public sectors. There may also be concerns regarding the fairness of this arrangement compared to regular public employees who are unable to receive benefits during similar circumstances. The discussion is likely to explore the balance between attracting experienced personnel to elected office and managing the overall burden on municipal budgets.

Companion Bills

NJ S2153

Same As Permits certain retired public employees in PERS to collect pension while also collecting salary as an elected official.

NJ S3836

Carry Over Permits certain PERS members to collect pension while earning salary; makes certain local administrators and prosecutors eligible for PERS membership; permits State employees not covered by collective negotiations to enroll in negotiated health plans.

NJ A5825

Carry Over Permits certain PERS members to collect pension while earning salary; makes certain local administrators and prosecutors eligible for PERS membership; permits State employees not covered by collective negotiations to enroll in negotiated health plans.

Previously Filed As

NJ S2153

Permits certain retired public employees in PERS to collect pension while also collecting salary as an elected official.

NJ S3836

Permits certain PERS members to collect pension while earning salary; makes certain local administrators and prosecutors eligible for PERS membership; permits State employees not covered by collective negotiations to enroll in negotiated health plans.

NJ A5825

Permits certain PERS members to collect pension while earning salary; makes certain local administrators and prosecutors eligible for PERS membership; permits State employees not covered by collective negotiations to enroll in negotiated health plans.

NJ A3930

Permits service credit in Prosecutors Part of PERS for judicial clerk service; increases salary of Presiding Judge of Appellate Division and county prosecutor; permits retired judges to collect pension while serving as county prosecutor.

NJ S2470

Permits service credit in Prosecutors Part of PERS for judicial clerk service; increases salary of Presiding Judge of Appellate Division and county prosecutor; permits retired judges to collect pension while serving as county prosecutor.

NJ A224

Bars certain employees of certain public agencies from participating in PERS; repeals law permitting PERS and TPAF members on leave who work for labor organization to purchase pension credit.

NJ A948

Bars certain employees of certain public agencies from participating in PERS; repeals law permitting PERS and TPAF members on leave who work for labor organization to purchase pension credit.

NJ S319

Permits PERS retiree to return to elective public office after retirement under certain circumstances.

NJ S51

Permits PERS retiree to return to elective public office after retirement under certain circumstances.

NJ A2377

Permits PERS retiree to return to elective public office after retirement under certain circumstances.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.