This bill amends existing law 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 purchase credit for service rendered while enrolled in these academies or employed as special law enforcement officers, provided that the service led directly to their enrollment in the retirement system. The bill stipulates that the purchase of such credit must be made through payments into the annuity savings fund, with specific conditions regarding the timing and amount of service that can be credited.

Additionally, the bill includes amendments to the existing provisions regarding military service credit, allowing members to include periods of enrollment in military service academies that resulted in a baccalaureate degree. It clarifies that members can purchase credit for military service without incurring costs associated with pension adjustment benefits and health care benefits for retirees. The bill also defines "military service academy" to include the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, and the United States Coast Guard Academy. Overall, these changes aim to enhance the retirement 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