This bill amends N.J.S.40A:14-127 to align with a New Jersey State Supreme Court ruling that establishes 18 years as the minimum age for eligibility to be appointed as a municipal police officer. The current law stipulates that individuals must be between the ages of 21 and 35 for such appointments. The bill removes the age requirement of 21 and replaces it with a minimum age of 18, while maintaining a maximum age limit of 35. Additionally, it clarifies that individuals who meet the age requirements at the closing date of a civil service examination will remain eligible while the resulting civil service list is in effect.

Furthermore, the bill ensures that the employment status of current permanent policemen is not affected by this change and references the existing law regarding maximum age limits for those serving in the armed forces. This legislative update is intended to rectify the inconsistency between state law and the court's decision, thereby allowing younger individuals to pursue careers in law enforcement in accordance with their rights as established by the age of majority statute. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.