Bill
Bill > S4764
NJ S4764
NJ S4764Conforms statute to reflect court ruling regarding minimum age for eligibility as municipal police officer.
summary
Introduced
10/27/2025
10/27/2025
In Committee
10/27/2025
10/27/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill codifies the decision of the New Jersey State Supreme Court of affirming that the age of majority, which is 18 years of age, is the minimum age for employment eligibility as a police officer. Currently, N.J.S.40A:14-127 provides that a person is required to be between the ages of 21 and 35 to qualify for appointment to a municipal law enforcement agency. However, in N.J. State Police Benevolent Association v. Morristown, 65 N.J. 160 (1974) the court determined that the age of majority statute, P.L.1972, c.81 (C.9:17B-1 et seq.), supersedes N.J.S.40A:14-127. The age of majority statute established that a person reaches majority at 18 years of age and, therefore, may apply and be appointed to public employment, among other rights and obligations. The court clarified that the exceptions provided in the statute do not include employment as a law enforcement officer. This bill rectifies the discrepancy between State law and the current practice since the court decision.
AI Summary
This bill amends New Jersey state law to align with a 1974 New Jersey Supreme Court ruling regarding the minimum age for becoming a municipal police officer. Specifically, the bill changes the existing statute to lower the minimum age for police officer appointment from 21 to 18 years old, which reflects the legal age of majority. The bill removes the previous language restricting appointments to individuals between 21 and 35 years old and replaces it with language that prevents appointing anyone under 18 years of age. The change codifies the court's earlier determination that the age of majority statute supersedes the previous restrictions on police officer employment, effectively allowing 18-year-olds to apply and be appointed to municipal law enforcement positions. The bill maintains the existing maximum age limit of 35 and includes provisions for civil service examinations and existing employees, ensuring that the change does not disrupt current police department staffing. The amendment takes effect immediately upon enactment.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (on 10/27/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4764 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S5000/4764_I1.HTM |
Loading...