| County fire instructors removed from the public employee pension system following eligibility concerns due to their limited work schedules can now receive service credit under a bill signed by Gov. Phil Murphy on Thursday and sponsored by Assemblywoman Aura Dunn.
About 40 county fire instructors stand to benefit from the measure (A2286/S871).
“This law is righting a wrong and restoring the pensions of these employees who are vital to the health and safety of New Jersey communities,” Dunn (R-Morris) said.
Dunn explained that county fire instructors started the job with the promise of benefits through the public employee retirement system, but after contributing to the system, the state changed the rules.
“Ensuring firefighters are well qualified to meet the demands of the job and other first responders are able deliver exceptional service during emergencies, saves lives and properties. New Jersey’s dedicated county fire instructors have more than earned their pensions,” Dunn said.
The law allows county fire instructors enrolled in PERS before Nov. 1, 2008, who were notified within the last five years that they were ineligible for membership, to receive service credit for every year they worked provided they repay any returned contributions and interest. |
