Bill > S644

This bill amends existing law to restrict public employees in New Jersey from using six or more consecutive days of their accumulated sick leave in the twelve months leading up to their retirement, unless it's for a medically necessary reason verified in writing by a physician. This restriction applies to State employees, employees of political subdivisions not under civil service, and school board employees. Employers can require employees to undergo an examination by a physician of their choosing to verify medical necessity. Violators face penalties, including a fine equivalent to three times their daily pay for each day of improper use, or for a second offense, the deduction of improperly used sick leave from any supplemental compensation calculated at retirement, or both. However, these provisions do not override existing collective bargaining agreements or individual contracts in effect on the bill's effective date that address discipline or retirement compensation for unused sick leave.