New Jersey Assembly Bill A742

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

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

Caption

Requires State to reimburse counties and municipalities for salary and fringe benefit costs of employee on official leave of absence for military service in war on terror; makes an appropriation.

Impact

The bill is expected to positively impact local governments by providing them with state assistance in managing the costs associated with the deployment of their employees. By ensuring that these local entities are reimbursed for salary and fringe benefits, the state is promoting support for military personnel while easing the economic pressures faced by municipalities. However, the stipulation that reimbursement is contingent upon specific operational criteria may create complications in determining eligibility and necessitate stringent record-keeping by local authorities.

Summary

Assembly Bill A742 mandates that the State of New Jersey will reimburse counties and municipalities for the salary and fringe benefit costs of employees who are on official leave due to military service in the War on Terror. Specifically, this applies to members of the Reserve Component and the State National Guard who are called to active duty by federal authorities. The reimbursement only applies to those who have served at least 14 days in operational theaters designated by the President or Secretary of Defense, such as in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. This bill aims to alleviate the financial burden on local governments when their employees are deployed for military service.

Contention

One notable point of contention around A742 may stem from the perceived obligations and financial responsibilities of the state versus those of local governments. Advocates for the bill argue that this is a necessary support mechanism in recognition of the sacrifices made by military personnel. Critics, however, may express concerns about the state’s financial sustainability and whether it is within its budgetary capabilities to continually provide such reimbursements, especially given the potential for future military operations and the long-term fiscal implications of such commitments.