Bill > A5646

This bill establishes the New Jersey State Police as a separate Department of State Police within the Executive Branch of state government, elevating it from its previous status as a division within the Department of Law and Public Safety. The bill creates a new leadership structure where the Superintendent of State Police will become the Commissioner of State Police, who will be directly appointed by the Governor with Senate confirmation and serve for the duration of the Governor's term. All existing functions, powers, duties, and employees of the current State Police division will be transferred to the new department under the State Agency Transfer Act, ensuring that employee rights and protections are maintained. References to the "Division of State Police" in existing laws, contracts, and documents will now be interpreted as referring to the new Department of State Police. Notably, the bill removes the Attorney General's supervisory authority over State Police operations, with the Commissioner now reporting directly to the Governor. The new department will take effect on the first day of the fourth month following the bill's enactment.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5646