New Jersey Assembly Bill A1756

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Permits municipal, county, and regional police and fire forces to establish five-year residency requirement for police officers and firefighters; allows exceptions to requirement under certain circumstances.

Impact

The implementation of A1756 influences various state laws related to the hiring practices in public safety employment. Specifically, it modifies existing statutes that limit municipalities' ability to impose residency requirements. By allowing local jurisdictions to enforce such requirements, the bill encourages applicants to become more invested in the communities they serve, emphasizing the importance of community relationships in policing and firefighting. However, the bill also includes provisions that allow exceptions for individuals who fear for their safety due to their police or firefighter status, recognizing both public safety and personal security.

Summary

A1756 permits municipal, county, and regional police and fire forces in New Jersey to establish a five-year residency requirement for new hires. According to the bill, applicants for positions within these departments must agree to reside in the municipality or region where they are employed for at least the first five years of their employment. The bill provides a six-month grace period from the time of employment for new hires to begin residing in the area after completing all necessary training. This amendment aims to stabilize community ties and increase accountability among public safety personnel.

Contention

While the bill boasts potential benefits for community integration, it also presents points of contention regarding the perceived limitations it places on employment opportunities for non-residents. Critics argue that imposing such residency requirements could diminish the pool of qualified candidates, potentially impacting the ability of departments to hire the best candidates regardless of their residence. Additionally, the exceptions provided within the bill may lead to inconsistencies in application and enforcement, possibly engendering concerns about favoritism or subjective interpretations of what constitutes a safety threat.