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Bill > A156


NJ A156

NJ A156
Eliminates seniority in Civil Service and other jurisdictions for reductions in force in certain circumstances.


summary

Introduced
01/09/2024
In Committee
01/09/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill would modify existing civil service rules to permit the State, a county or a municipality to lay off, as part of a reduction in force, individuals with more seniority in the event the less senior individual possesses essential skills necessary to meet the needs of the county or municipality. When terminating a more senior employee instead of a less senior employee, the appointing authority must certify to the chairperson of the Civil Service Commission that the less senior employee has specialized skills, licenses, certifications, or other qualifications that the more senior employee does not possess and that those skills are essential to the operation of the county or municipal department. In the event that the reduction in force occurs in a county or municipality that has not adopted the civil service rules, the appointing authority must notify the Public Employment Relations Commission of the pending layoffs and gain their approval prior to implementing the layoffs. Finally, the bill expands the authority of the chairperson of the Civil Service Commission. Under the bill, counties and municipalities must receive permission from the chairperson of the commission prior to implementing a reduction in force that does not follow seniority rules.

AI Summary

This bill would modify existing civil service rules to allow the State, a county, or a municipality to lay off a more senior employee instead of a less senior employee if the less senior employee has specialized skills, licenses, certifications, or other qualifications that are essential to the operation of the department. The appointing authority would need to certify this justification to the chairperson of the Civil Service Commission for approval. The bill also expands the authority of the chairperson of the Commission, requiring counties and municipalities to receive permission from the chairperson before implementing a reduction in force that does not follow seniority rules. Additionally, the bill establishes similar requirements for counties and municipalities that have not adopted civil service rules, where the appointing authority would need to notify and gain approval from the Public Employment Relations Commission prior to implementing the layoffs.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee (on 01/09/2024)

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