The bill, designated as P.L.2024, c.97, amends the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) regulations in New Jersey to provide specific service credit provisions for fire instructors. It stipulates that fire instructors who were enrolled in PERS prior to November 1, 2008, and who meet certain criteria—including continuous membership, service as a fire instructor in each calendar year, a salary exceeding $1,500 annually, and permanent career service status—will be granted service credit for their enrollment period. This provision aims to ensure that eligible fire instructors can access membership benefits within the retirement system.

Additionally, the bill allows individuals who were previously notified of ineligibility for enrollment in the retirement system within five years prior to the act's effective date to receive service credit for their time as fire instructors, contingent upon repaying any contributions and interest that were returned due to their ineligibility. This change is intended to rectify past exclusions and provide fair recognition of service for those affected. The act is set to take effect immediately upon approval, which occurred on December 12, 2024.