New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A3199

Introduced

1/9/24

Refer

1/9/24

Caption

Provides accidental death benefit to surviving spouse, surviving child, or surviving parent of a State Police recruit who dies during required pre-service training.

Impact

If enacted, A3199 could significantly alter the benefits structure for the families of State Police recruits. By reclassifying deaths that occur during training as in the line of duty, the bill ensures that these families receive the support they deserve. The $50,000 minimum guarantee for the surviving spouse and specific provisions for children or parents also indicate a legislative recognition of the risks faced by recruits during their training period. This act could potentially lead to increased recruitment efforts as prospects may feel more secure knowing that their families will be cared for in unfortunate circumstances.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3199 aims to establish an accidental death benefit for the surviving spouse, children, or parents of State Police recruits who die during pre-service training. Currently, State Police recruits are not considered sworn members until they complete their training, which means that if they tragically die during training, their families are not eligible for the benefits provided to the survivors of sworn officers. A3199 addresses this gap by classifying such deaths as occurring in the line of duty, thus enabling families to apply for death benefits retroactively to the date of the recruit's death. The bill mandates that benefits for the surviving spouse shall be no less than $50,000 and outlines provisions for situations where there are no surviving spouses or children.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention surrounding A3199 includes the larger implications for how the state defines a member of the State Police. Some legislators and stakeholders may question the appropriateness of providing such benefits preemptively, considering recruits are not sworn members until training completion. This introduces a debate on the risk management and financial implications of expanding benefit eligibility to recruits versus focusing on seasoned officers. The bill's sponsors believe it honors the dedication of recruits, but there may be differing opinions on whether such regulations might inadvertently incentivize recruitment at the expense of prudent fiscal oversight.

Companion Bills

NJ S800

Same As Provides accidental death benefit to surviving spouse, surviving child, or surviving parent of a State Police recruit who dies during required pre-service training.

NJ A364

Carry Over Provides accidental death benefit to surviving spouse, surviving child, or surviving parent of a State Police recruit who dies during required pre-service training.

NJ S685

Carry Over Provides accidental death benefit to surviving spouse, surviving child, or surviving parent of a State Police recruit who dies during required pre-service training.