Bill > A1842

This bill modifies existing laws concerning payments for unused sick and vacation leave for public officers and employees in New Jersey. Primarily, it limits the amount of supplemental compensation, which is a payment for accumulated unused sick leave, to $7,500 for leave earned after the bill's effective date or after a collective negotiations agreement expires, for employees represented by a union. For those with accrued sick leave of $7,500 or more earned before the effective date, any sick leave earned after that date will have no monetary value for supplemental compensation. If the prior accrued amount is less than $7,500, the post-effective date leave can be compensated up to the difference, but only for specific purposes like contributing to post-retirement health benefits or being placed in a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) for medical expenses, not as cash. The bill also introduces provisions for suspending or forfeiting supplemental compensation if an employee is indicted or convicted of certain crimes related to their office or employment. Additionally, it limits the carry-forward of vacation leave for all public employees to the next succeeding year, with exceptions for emergencies, and clarifies that existing contractual rights to supplemental compensation for unused sick leave remain in place. The bill also establishes procedures for determining veteran status for certain benefits and for notifying employers of employee indictments or convictions.