New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A4258

Introduced
5/2/24  

Caption

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.

Impact

The bill is significant as it introduces a systematic process to ensure only eligible public employees are enrolled in the PERS. This will likely enhance the integrity of the retirement system by reducing the possibility of ineligible individuals receiving benefits designated for legitimate public employees. Additionally, the bill also establishes an audit program that must be initiated within 60 days post-enactment, aiming to continuously review PERS participants and their eligibility, particularly those before the bill's effective date.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4258 addresses the enrollment process for certain public employees in the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). Specifically, it mandates that certifying officers complete an eligibility certification checklist when enrolling officers or employees who provide professional services, such as attorneys, engineers, accountants, auditors, physicians, and architects. This checklist is intended to verify that the individual being enrolled truly qualifies as an employee and not as an independent contractor. The requirement to complete this certification will also apply to individuals who were enrolled prior to the effective date of the bill.

Contention

Notably, the bill imposes civil penalties on certifying officers and their supervisors for knowingly enrolling ineligible individuals. These penalties escalate with repeat offenses, reflecting a greater responsibility on public employers to verify the eligibility of enrolled employees thoroughly. Critics may argue that this increased oversight could lead to operational challenges for public employers, particularly if they are not adequately prepared for the newly imposed scrutiny and administrative burdens.

Companion Bills

NJ S1837

Same As 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 A109

Carry Over 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.

Previously Filed As

NJ A109

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 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 A5787

Requires PFRS enrollment to be retroactive to first date of employment for death benefit eligibility.

NJ A740

Requires PFRS enrollment to be retroactive to first date of employment for death benefit eligibility.

NJ A5273

Requires automatic enrollment of certain persons recently ineligible for Medicaid in health benefits plan; requires DHS to electronically publish certain data regarding NJ FamilyCare eligibility renewals and call center performance.

NJ S4198

Requires PFRS enrollment to be retroactive to first date of employment for death benefit eligibility.

NJ S601

Requires PFRS enrollment to be retroactive to first date of employment for death benefit eligibility.

NJ A3945

Provides for law enforcement officer benefits for certain public employees enrolled in PERS; prohibits hiring by State or county of public employees after age 35 in positions eligible for PFRS.

NJ A2160

Provides for law enforcement officer benefits for certain public employees enrolled in PERS; prohibits hiring by State or county of public employees after age 35 in positions eligible for PFRS.

NJ A4751

Permits purchase of service credit in SPRS for period of enrollment in military service academy and in New Jersey State Police Academy, and employment as class two special law enforcement officer.

Similar Bills

MI HB4172

Probate: guardians and conservators; requirements to be appointed as guardian or conservator; modify. Amends title & secs. 5106, 5108a, 5313 & 5409 of 1998 PA 386 (MCL 700.5106 et seq.) & adds secs. 5106a & 5106b. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4171'23

CA SB250

Health care coverage.

MI HB4728

Occupations: individual licensing and registration; licensure of professional guardians and conservators; require. Amends sec. 303a of 1980 PA 299 (MCL 339.303a) & adds art. 14A.

MI HB4727

Probate: guardians and conservators; licensure of professional guardians and conservators; provide for. Amends secs. 5106, 5313 & 5409 of 1998 PA 386 (MCL 700.5106 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4728'25

CA AB510

Out-of-network health care benefits.

NJ A1987

Authorizes home care for individuals who are disabled or elderly and requires health insurance coverage therefor.

NJ A3978

Authorizes home care for individuals who are disabled or elderly and requires health insurance coverage therefor.

NJ S2705

Authorizes home care for individuals who are disabled or elderly and requires health insurance coverage therefor.