Assembly passes bill addressing state pension eligibility for county fire instructors
NEW JERSEY – County fire instructors removed from the public employee pension system following eligibility concerns due to their limited work schedules would receive service credit under a bill passed by the Assembly on Monday.
Assemblywoman Aura Dunn sponsors the bill (A2286/S871) that benefits about 40 county fire instructors.
“County fire instructors started the job with the promise of benefits through the public employee retirement system. However, while they were training our first responders and paying into the retirement system, the state changed the rules. This legislation is righting a wrong and restoring the pensions of these employees who are vital to the health and safety of our communities,” Dunn (R-Morris) said.
Under the bill, county fire instructors enrolled in PERS before Nov. 1, 2008, who were notified within the last five years that they were ineligible for membership, can receive service credit for every year they worked provided they repay any returned contributions and interest.
“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 longstanding county fire instructors have more than earned their pensions,” Dunn said.
