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Bill > S2071
NJ S2071
NJ S2071Conforms statute to reflect court ruling regarding minimum age for eligibility as municipal police officer.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 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 existing law to align with a New Jersey Supreme Court ruling that established the age of majority, which is 18 years old, as the minimum age for becoming a municipal police officer. Previously, the law required individuals to be between 21 and 35 years old to be appointed to a municipal law enforcement agency, but a court decision determined that the statute establishing the age of majority (meaning the age at which someone is legally considered an adult) supersedes this older requirement, clarifying that there are no exceptions for law enforcement employment. This legislation effectively updates the statute to reflect this court's interpretation and the current practice.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (on 01/13/2026)
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/2026/S2071 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S2500/2071_I1.HTM |
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