New Jersey Assembly Bill A3930

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/4/24
• Refer: 3/4/24
• Refer: 6/24/24
• Report Pass: 6/24/24

Caption

Permits service credit in Prosecutors Part of PERS for judicial clerk service; increases salary of Presiding Judge of Appellate Division and county prosecutor; permits retired judges to collect pension while serving as county prosecutor.

Impact

The passing of A3930 would amend various statutes related to the salaries and retirement benefits of members in the Prosecutors Part of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). By allowing service credit for judicial clerk experiences and permitting retired judges to collect pensions while serving as county prosecutors, the bill intends to attract qualified candidates to these positions, thereby potentially enhancing the capacities of county prosecutor offices across New Jersey.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3930 seeks to enhance benefits for prosecutors in New Jersey by permitting them to receive service credit for judicial clerk service. This provision aims to recognize and include prior judicial experience in the retirement calculation of prosecutors. The bill also proposes a salary increase for the Presiding Judge of the Appellate Division and county prosecutors, aligning their financial compensation with increasing demands on their roles within the justice system.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding A3930 appears to be generally positive, particularly among judicial and legal practitioners who see the value in acknowledging prior service as a judicial clerk when promoting individuals to county prosecutor positions. Supporters argue that it will lead to a more experienced judiciary, capable of handling complex cases with greater expertise. Nonetheless, there may be some concerns regarding the financial implications of increased salaries for the state budget and the operational costs for counties.

Contention

As with many bills related to public employment and compensation, A3930 might face scrutiny concerning fiscal responsibility. There could be arguments from opponents who believe that increases in salaries should be reviewed cautiously, particularly in times of budget constraints. Additionally, discussions about the potential impact of such measures on the broader judicial system and its funding could lead to debates among legislators.