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Bill > S2623

NJ S2623

NJ S2623
Permits surviving spouse of retired member of PFRS to be enrolled in SHBP and to continue to receive pension benefit after remarriage in certain circumstances.

summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Under this bill, certain surviving spouses of retired members of the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS) will receive State-paid health care benefits through the State Health Benefits Program and a continuation of pension benefits after remarriage. The surviving spouse of a retired member of the PFRS who died prior to, on, or after the effective date of this bill and who was receiving an accidental disability retirement allowance at the time of death will be eligible to enroll for health care benefits coverage in the State Health Benefits Program after the effective date of this bill and the annual premiums for such coverage for the surviving spouse and any dependent children will be paid in full by the State. Such a surviving spouse will also be eligible to continue to receive upon remarriage the pension benefit provided by current law to surviving spouses of deceased retired members. The State will be responsible for any increase in contributions to the retirement system required of employers other than the State due to the continuation of the payment of the pension benefit after remarriage. This bill will only apply if the surviving spouse provides documentation, approved by the Board of Trustees of the PFRS, demonstrating that the injury that caused the disability, the complications from that disability, or the aggravation or acceleration of a preexisting condition caused by the disability was a significant contributing factor in the retired member's death. An eligible surviving spouse whose pension was terminated due to remarriage prior to the effective date of this bill may apply to the board to have the pension benefit reinstated and payable again commencing from the date of application.

AI Summary

This bill allows certain surviving spouses of retired members of the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS) to receive State-paid health care benefits through the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) and to continue receiving their pension benefit even after remarriage, under specific conditions. The SHBP is a program that provides health insurance coverage to state employees and retirees. This bill applies to surviving spouses of PFRS retirees who died on or after the bill's effective date and who were receiving an accidental disability retirement allowance at the time of death. These spouses will be eligible to enroll in the SHBP, with the State covering all annual premiums for themselves and any dependent children. Furthermore, they will be able to continue receiving their pension benefit after remarrying, a benefit previously terminated upon remarriage for some. The State will also cover any increased employer contributions to the retirement system resulting from the continued pension payments after remarriage. Eligibility for these benefits requires the surviving spouse to provide documentation, approved by the PFRS Board of Trustees, proving that the deceased retiree's death was significantly caused by the injury that led to their disability, complications from that injury, or the worsening of a pre-existing condition due to the disability. Additionally, surviving spouses whose pensions were terminated due to remarriage before this bill becomes law can apply to have their pension reinstated.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (10)

Last Action

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

bill text

bill summary

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bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S2623
BillText https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S3000/2623_I1.HTM
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