ASSEMBLY STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 5049

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  FEBRUARY 20, 2025

      The Assembly State and Local Government Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 5049.

This bill removes certain limitations on the receipt of retirement or death benefits granted to members under the Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (PFRS).

     Pursuant to regulation, the Board of Trustees of PFRS withholds retirement or death benefits if the entitled member is subject to criminal charges, dismissed from public employment due to administrative charges, or the member has pending civil litigation pertaining to the member’s employment.  This bill removes the board’s ability to withhold retirement or death benefits on the basis the entitled member has pending civil litigation.  Under the bill, the board will have the ability to adjust the member’s retirement or death benefits following the disposition of any legal proceeding.

     This substitute is identical to Senate Bill No. 900 (SCS).