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Bill > A6231
NJ A6231
NJ A6231Conforms statute to reflect court ruling regarding minimum age for eligibility as municipal police officer.
summary
Introduced
12/08/2025
12/08/2025
In Committee
12/08/2025
12/08/2025
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 updates New Jersey state law to align with a 1974 New Jersey Supreme Court ruling that determined 18, not 21, is the minimum age for eligibility as a municipal police officer. Specifically, the bill modifies N.J.S.40A:14-127 to change the minimum age requirement from 21 to 18 years old, while maintaining the existing maximum age limit of 35 years old. The bill also makes a technical correction to how a referenced law is cited, changing "[chapter 98 of the laws of 1944]" to "P.L.1944, c.98". The legislation preserves existing provisions that allow people who met age requirements at the time of a civil service examination to remain eligible while that list is in effect, and does not affect police officers already employed before the establishment of a paid police department. By making these changes, the bill officially codifies the longstanding practice of allowing 18-year-olds to become municipal police officers, as established by the court's interpretation that the age of majority statute supersedes the previous age restrictions.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee (on 12/08/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A6231 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A6500/6231_I1.HTM |
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