SENATE BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

[First Reprint]

ASSEMBLY, No. 5034

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 4, 2026

      The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 5034 (1R).

      As reported, 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 the 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 be a graduate of the New Jersey State Police Academy and to apply for and obtain an initial or renewal law enforcement license pursuant to current law if the superintendent does not already hold an active license.

      In addition, the bill allows a person who is a retirant of the SPRS to be eligible for appointment as the Superintendent of State Police without reenrollment in the retirement system and be eligible to hold 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 prior to appointment.

      As reported by the committee, Assembly Bill No. 5034 (1R) is identical to Senate Bill No. 4258 (1R), which was also reported by the committee on this date.

FISCAL IMPACT:

      The Office of Legislative Services (OLS) estimates that this bill may result in indeterminate annual State expenditure reductions in State pension contributions for the duration of the current Superintendent’s appointment, provided that the Superintendent does not reenroll in the State Police Retirement System. The potential expenditure reduction would result from the Superintendent not earning any additional pension credits during the Superintendent’s tenure.