New Jersey Assembly Bill A3069

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/22
• Refer: 2/28/22

Caption

Provides exceptions to garnish exemption against benefits from State-administered pension systems for certain financial claims under State law.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will effectively allow the State of New Jersey to garnish pensions for specified debts, which marks a significant shift from the existing complete exemption. This change could lead to increased state revenues from previously protected benefits. Proponents of the bill argue that allowing some garnishment will ensure that those impacted by debts, particularly related to child support or victims' restitution, can receive payments they are owed. Critics, however, contend that this bill undermines the financial security that pension benefits provide to retirees.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3069 proposes to amend existing laws regarding the exemption of benefits from state-administered pension systems, specifically addressing situations where these benefits can be garnished. Currently, the rights to pension benefits are largely protected from any form of garnishment or legal claim. However, A3069 introduces specific conditions under which some payments can potentially be assigned to satisfy certain debts, including those owed to the State Division of Taxation, the Victims of Crime Compensation Agency, and court-ordered obligations like child support or alimony. This amendment aims to clarify and regulate the use of pension funds in fulfilling these obligations.