ASSEMBLY STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 5034

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MAY 11, 2026

      The Assembly State and Local Government Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 5034.

This bill establishes that the Superintendent of State Police is to hold the rank of Colonel of State Police and permits the appointment of a retirant without reenrollment in the State Police Retirement System (SPRS).

     Under the provisions of this bill, the superintendent is to hold the uniformed rank of Colonel of the State Police and is entitled to wear the corresponding uniform.  The bill grants the superintendent all privileges and powers conferred upon members of the State Police pursuant to current law.

     In addition, in order to hold the rank of colonel, the bill requires the superintendent to complete, update, or renew any New Jersey State Police Academy basic police officer certification required to hold the position of New Jersey State Police Officer and to apply for and obtain an initial or renewal law enforcement license pursuant to current law.

     In addition, the bill clarifies that the superintendent is to receive a salary in the amount of $210,000 pursuant to current law.  The bill also provides that the superintendent is to serve as and perform the duties of the State Director of Emergency Management.

     In addition, under the bill, notwithstanding the provisions of current law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, a person who is a retirant of the SPRS is eligible for appointment as the Superintendent of State Police, and a retirant so appointed is not required to reenroll in the SPRS, provided that the retirement meets the requirement for a bona fide severance from employment and any employment or reemployment was not prearranged before retirement, and provided further that the salary established by law for the superintendent for a person who is a retirant of the system and who is not reenrolled in the system is not to be considered as compensation for retirement system purposes and is not to enhance the retirement allowance received by that person as a retirant of the system.

      Finally, the bill provides that notwithstanding the provisions of any law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, a person appointed as superintendent holds the rank of colonel regardless of age or retirant status under the “State Police Retirement System Act” provided that the person completes the requirements set forth under the bill and previously retired in good standing.