The bill, designated as P.L.2024, c.97, amends the eligibility criteria for service credit within the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) for fire instructors employed by counties in New Jersey. Specifically, it allows fire instructors who were enrolled in PERS prior to November 1, 2008, and who meet certain conditions—such as continuous membership, annual salary exceeding $1,500, and permanent career service status—to receive service credit for their enrollment period. This provision aims to ensure that these instructors are recognized for their service and can access retirement benefits.

Additionally, the bill provides a remedy for individuals who were previously notified of ineligibility for membership in the retirement system within five years prior to the bill's effective date. These individuals can also be granted service credit for their enrollment period, contingent upon their repayment of any contributions and interest that were returned due to the initial ineligibility determination. The act is set to take effect immediately upon approval, which occurred on December 12, 2024.