Bill > A1216

This bill expands the scope of review for the Pension and Health Benefits Review Commission, a body responsible for examining legislation related to public employee benefits in New Jersey. Previously, the commission reviewed most, but not all, legislation concerning pension and health care plans for state and other public employees. Now, the commission will be required to review *every* bill, joint resolution, or concurrent resolution introduced in the Legislature that establishes or modifies pension or health care benefits, or affects the financing, procedures, or operations of these plans. This includes various types of retirement plans like defined benefit and defined contribution plans, as well as deferred compensation plans, and also covers legislation that allows or requires public entities to pay for employee health care benefits, both while actively employed and in retirement. The commission's review will include analyzing the fiscal impact on retirement plans and public employers, offering recommendations, and suggesting alternatives. The Legislative Budget and Finance Officer will identify relevant legislation, and the commission will have a set timeframe to complete its review and provide written comments to legislative leaders, with provisions for extensions and urgent matters. The commission will also report annually on its activities related to these expanded review areas.

Government Affairs

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A1216