This bill amends existing laws to allow members of the State Police Retirement System (SPRS) to purchase service credit for time spent enrolled in military service academies and the New Jersey State Police Academy, as well as for employment as a class two special law enforcement officer. Specifically, it introduces provisions that enable members to buy credit for service rendered while enrolled in these academies or employed in the specified law enforcement roles, provided that certain conditions are met, such as the time between service and enrollment in the retirement system being less than 365 days. The bill also stipulates that the purchase of service credit can be made in installments over a maximum period of 10 years.

Additionally, the bill modifies the existing language regarding military service credit to include periods of enrollment in military service academies that lead to a baccalaureate degree. It clarifies that members can purchase credit for military service, including academy time, and outlines the payment structure for such purchases. The bill ensures that members who retire before completing their payments will receive pro rata credit for the service purchased prior to retirement, with an option to make a lump sum payment at that time for full credit. Overall, these changes aim to enhance the benefits available to members of the SPRS by recognizing their service in military and law enforcement training.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 53:5A-6, 53:5A-6.1
Reprint: 53:5A-6, 53:5A-6.1