Bucco Bill to Help Fill Important State Job Openings Clears Senate, Advances to Governor’s Desk

The Measure Allows Retired State Workers to Return to Work to Help Deal with the Coronavirus Crisis

The Senate today approved bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony M. Bucco that would help meet increased demand for some public employees during the COVID pandemic.

The bill (A-3914/S-2376), approved unanimously by the Assembly in April, now moves to the Governor’s desk for review.

“The state can benefit by utilizing the expertise of recent retirees who are thoroughly trained, skilled, tested and ready to help,” said Bucco (R-25). “New Jersey is facing unprecedented challenges due to the virus, and the usual rules and regulations don’t always work to the public’s advantage. This is a sensible approach to providing critical support services during the crisis.”

Bucco’s bill provides for the temporary employment of former public workers who retired from the Public Employees’ Retirement System, the Police and Fireman’s Retirement System or the State Police Retirement System during the Public Health Emergency or State of Emergency.

It would help fill voids in the ranks of law enforcement and firefighters, and also bolster the rosters dealing with backlogs and delays in processing unemployment claims and providing motor vehicle services.

“This will provide desperately needed support and help with unemployment and motor vehicle services. Providing additional support in these and other areas will help to eliminate the additional stress and frustration our residents can ill afford during these trying times,” said Bucco. “People are suffering from this ongoing crisis and their inability to access the services they need. This measure will give the administration more resources to help in problem areas.”

The measure would temporarily lift the usual 30-day waiting period for new hires becoming eligible for health benefits coverage, removing the limit on the number of Class Two special law enforcement officers that may be employed during the crisis, allowing any candidate who completed the Alternate Route Training to be appointed as a Class Two special officer until the end of the emergency.

In addition, under the bill, a member of the State Police who turns age 55 while in active service would not be required to retire during the public emergency and mandatory retirements age for members of the Police and Firemen’s Retirement System will be suspended.