New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S691

Introduced
1/11/22  

Caption

Establishes eligibility for PERS enrollment and retirement benefits for certain county fire instructors under certain conditions.

Impact

If enacted, S691 would allow county fire instructors who had been terminated from the PERS membership within two years prior to the bill's effective date to be reenrolled provided they repay any contributions and interest previously returned. This inclusion would rectify the situation for instructors who have faced significant hurdles in accessing retirement benefits due to inconsistent employment status over the years. The bill's immediate effect aims to improve job security and retirement planning for fire instructors, enhancing their professional status.

Summary

Senate Bill 691 (S691) aims to establish eligibility for enrollment and retirement benefits in the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) specifically for county fire instructors who meet certain criteria. The bill targets individuals who were employed by a county as fire instructors prior to November 1, 2008, and stipulates conditions under which they can gain service credit and receive retirement benefits. This measure addresses historical issues surrounding the eligibility of county fire instructors within the retirement system due to their irregular work schedule.

Contention

While the bill is primarily focused on expanding benefits for this specific group, discussions surrounding it may involve concerns about resource allocation within the PERS system as well as the impact on the state budget. Stakeholders may debate the fairness of retroactively applying benefits to individuals whose employment conditions were historically subject to differing interpretations. Furthermore, there might be scrutiny regarding how this expansion of benefits aligns with broader public sector reform objectives and the management of retirement funds.

Companion Bills

NJ A3340

Same As Establishes eligibility for PERS enrollment and retirement benefits for certain county fire instructors under certain conditions.

Previously Filed As

NJ S805

Establishes eligibility for PERS enrollment and retirement benefits for certain county fire instructors under certain conditions.

NJ A3208

Establishes eligibility for PERS enrollment and retirement benefits for certain county fire instructors under certain conditions.

NJ A3340

Establishes eligibility for PERS enrollment and retirement benefits for certain county fire instructors under certain conditions.

NJ S3432

Establishes eligibility for enrollment in PERS and subsequent retirement benefits for certain county fire instructors under certain conditions.

NJ S871

Establishes eligibility for enrollment in PERS and subsequent retirement benefits for certain county fire instructors under certain conditions.

NJ A4969

Establishes eligibility for enrollment in PERS and subsequent retirement benefits for certain county fire instructors under certain conditions.

NJ A2286

Establishes eligibility for enrollment in PERS and subsequent retirement benefits for certain county fire instructors under certain conditions.

NJ S1202

Increases accidental death benefit for surviving spouse or surviving children of certain PERS members and retirants; provides accidental death benefit to beneficiary of certain PERS and PFRS members and retirants; redefines child.

NJ S1837

Requires eligibility checklist and audit for enrollment in PERS of certain public employees who provide professional services; imposes fine on certifying officer or supervisor for ineligible enrollments.

NJ S645

Extends eligibility for certain civil service and pension benefits for veterans.

Similar Bills

NJ A4969

Establishes eligibility for enrollment in PERS and subsequent retirement benefits for certain county fire instructors under certain conditions.

NJ S3432

Establishes eligibility for enrollment in PERS and subsequent retirement benefits for certain county fire instructors under certain conditions.

NJ S805

Establishes eligibility for PERS enrollment and retirement benefits for certain county fire instructors under certain conditions.

NJ A3340

Establishes eligibility for PERS enrollment and retirement benefits for certain county fire instructors under certain conditions.

NJ A3208

Establishes eligibility for PERS enrollment and retirement benefits for certain county fire instructors under certain conditions.

NJ S871

Establishes eligibility for enrollment in PERS and subsequent retirement benefits for certain county fire instructors under certain conditions.

NJ A2286

Establishes eligibility for enrollment in PERS and subsequent retirement benefits for certain county fire instructors under certain conditions.

PA SB782

In membership, contributions and benefits, further providing for termination of annuities; in membership, credited service, classes of service, and eligibility for benefits relating to retirement for State employees and officers, further providing for mandatory and optional membership in the system and participation in the plan; and, in benefits, further providing for termination of annuities.