This bill amends existing laws to restrict health care benefits for part-time elected public officials, making them ineligible for employer-paid health care coverage unless they work 35 hours or more per week. Additionally, it prohibits these officials from receiving payments for waiving health care benefits, a practice that was previously allowed for certain public employees. The bill ensures that elected officials currently receiving health care benefits can continue to do so as long as they remain eligible after the bill's effective date.

Furthermore, the bill codifies the Pension Fraud and Abuse Unit (PFAU) within the Department of the Treasury, which was initially established by executive order in 2013. The PFAU is tasked with investigating fraud and abuse within the state's pension and benefits systems, including disability pension claims. The bill grants the unit subpoena power to enhance its investigative capabilities, addressing concerns raised in a report by the State Comptroller regarding the unit's previous limitations in compelling compliance from public employers during investigations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 40A:10-17.1