This bill amends New Jersey's laws concerning public employees' disability retirement, particularly for those who have sustained disabilities due to traumatic events during their employment. It allows members under 65 to apply for retirement due to permanent and total disability resulting from such incidents, including those occurring during voluntary duties outside regular hours, with applications required to be filed within five years of the event. The bill also clarifies that disabilities from cardiovascular, pulmonary, or musculoskeletal conditions not directly linked to a traumatic event are categorized as ordinary disabilities.

Furthermore, the bill includes specific provisions for members involved in World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations from September 11 to October 11, 2001. It establishes a presumption that any qualifying health conditions leading to permanent and total disability for these members are a result of their duties, unless proven otherwise. Members who did not meet the eight-hour participation requirement can still qualify under certain conditions, and retirees who later develop disabilities related to their participation may seek recalculation of their retirement benefits. Additionally, the bill addresses accidental disability retirement allowances for Division of the State Police members, allowing eligibility for retirement benefits if a traumatic event substantially contributes to a preexisting condition, with similar application timelines and provisions for those who worked in restricted capacities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 43:15A-43, 43:16A-7, 53:5A-10
Advance Law: 43:15A-43, 43:16A-7, 53:5A-10
Pamphlet Law: 43:15A-43, 43:16A-7, 53:5A-10