New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A1259

Introduced

1/9/24

Refer

1/9/24

Caption

Increases PFRS accidental disability and accidental death pension when disability or death is caused by weapon.

Impact

The bill is set to impact the compensation structure for law enforcement and firefighting personnel who are injured or killed in the line of duty due to weapon-related incidents. This adjustment aims to provide more substantial support for the families of fallen members as well as the injured, acknowledging the dangers these individuals face daily. By increasing the survival benefits for spouses and children of deceased members from seventy percent (70%) to seventy-five percent (75%) of final compensation, the bill seeks to enhance the security and welfare of the dependents left behind. The fiscal implications may require additional budgeting considerations within the state's pension system as these changes could present increased financial liabilities.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1259 introduces amendments to the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS) concerning pension benefits specifically in cases of accidental disabilities and deaths due to weapon-related incidents. The bill stipulates that if a member of PFRS becomes permanently disabled due to an incident involving a weapon while performing their duties, their pension benefits will increase significantly from two-thirds (66%) of their final compensation to one hundred percent (100%). Furthermore, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age, their pension will be adjusted to eighty percent (80%) of their final compensation, offering enhanced financial support to those affected by such traumatic events.

Contention

While generally perceived positively as a necessary increase in benefits for those risking their lives in service, the bill has encountered some contention surrounding the broader ramifications. Skeptics express concerns regarding potential strain on state pension funds and the equitable treatment of all public sector workers. The debate also extends to the bill’s definition and thresholds for what constitutes weapon-related disability and death, indicating a need for clear guidelines and effective implementation strategies to avoid misuse or ambiguity in claims.

Companion Bills

NJ S3252

Same As Increases PFRS accidental disability and accidental death pension when disability or death is caused by weapon.

NJ A2739

Carry Over Increases PFRS accidental disability and accidental death pension when disability or death is caused by weapon.

NJ S2375

Carry Over Increases PFRS accidental disability and accidental death pension when disability or death is caused by weapon.

Previously Filed As

NJ A2739

Increases PFRS accidental disability and accidental death pension when disability or death is caused by weapon.

NJ S3252

Increases PFRS accidental disability and accidental death pension when disability or death is caused by weapon.

NJ S2375

Increases PFRS accidental disability and accidental death pension when disability or death is caused by weapon.

NJ A5091

Increases PFRS accidental disability pension when disability is caused by weapon.

NJ S4391

Increases PFRS accidental disability pension when disability is caused by weapon.

NJ S3427

Permits companion to receive PFRS accidental death pension when there is no surviving spouse; requires adjustment of final compensation for calculation of accidental death benefit for surviving spouse, companion, and children of PFRS members.

NJ A4600

NJ A1675

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 S1202

NJ S702

Similar Bills

NJ S3252

Increases PFRS accidental disability and accidental death pension when disability or death is caused by weapon.

NJ A2739

Increases PFRS accidental disability and accidental death pension when disability or death is caused by weapon.

NJ S2375

Increases PFRS accidental disability and accidental death pension when disability or death is caused by weapon.

NJ A4004

Provides for filing extension and alternate medical documentation in PFRS, SPRS, or PERS for accidental disability retirement in certain circumstances; extends accidental death benefit for survivors of certain SPRS retirees.

NJ A3715

Provides certain health care benefits to surviving dependents of accidental disability retiree who participated in 9/11 WTC rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations; clarifies eligibility criteria for recalculation of retirement allowance for such participation.