NJ S1974

Bill

NJ S1974

Extends membership in TPAF to four years after discontinuance of service and to 20 years for those who were laid off or had 10 or more years of continuous service upon voluntary termination.

Introduced
01/13/2026

In Committee
01/13/2026

Crossed Over

Passed

Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill extends the length of time a member of the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF) can discontinue their service and still maintain their membership in the TPAF. Under current law, membership in the TPAF ceases if an individual discontinues service for more than two years. This bill extends the period of discontinuance to four years. This bill also extends the length of time a member who left service for certain qualifying reasons may return to service and includes among the qualifying reasons those who voluntarily left service with 10 or more years of service credit. Under current law, membership in the TPAF may continue if the member returns to service within a period of 10 years from the date of discontinuance from service. This bill extends the period of discontinuance to 20 years. This bill directs the Division of Pension and Benefits to enroll a member of TPAF, who terminated their employment before the effective date of this bill, in the membership tier they were enrolled in prior to termination of employment if the member returned to employment within 20 years, as permitted under the law, and had not withdrawn their accumulated deductions. No additional contributions will be imposed on either the member or the member's employer.

AI Summary

This bill extends the period during which members of the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF) can maintain their membership after discontinuing service, increasing it from two years to four years. It also significantly expands the timeframe for members who left service under specific circumstances, such as layoffs or voluntary termination with at least 10 years of service credit, to return to service and have their membership continue, extending this period from 10 years to 20 years. Furthermore, the bill directs the Division of Pension and Benefits to re-enroll members who had previously terminated employment before the bill's effective date, but returned within the new 20-year window and did not withdraw their accumulated deductions, into their original TPAF membership tier without any additional contributions from the member or their employer.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (1)

Holly Schepisi (R)*,

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee (on 01/13/2026)

Official Document

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S1974

(3 Companion Bills)

Version:

Document Type	Source Location
State Bill Page	https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S1974
BillText	https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S2000/1974_I1.HTM

Bill	Bill Name	Last Action	Type
A3525	Extends membership in TPAF to four years after discontinuance of service and to 20 years for those who were laid off or had 10 or more years of continuous service upon voluntary termination.	Introduced, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee	Carry Over
A892	Extends membership in TPAF to four years after discontinuance of service and to 20 years for those who were laid off or had 10 or more years of continuous service upon voluntary termination.	Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee	Same As
S2130	Extends membership in TPAF to four years after discontinuance of service and to 20 years for those who were laid off or had 10 or more years of continuous service upon voluntary termination.	Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee	Carry Over

Bill > S1974

summary

Introduced Session

Bill Summary

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Official Document

bill text

bill summary

bill summary

bill summary