Committee releases A2884 (PFRS service credit) as amended after union requests

The committee released A2884, a bill that permits certain class 2 special law enforcement officers to purchase service credit in the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS) for time spent in training, changes the basis for eligibility to the date of enrollment in the retirement system rather than appointment, and requires the PFRS board of trustees to notify members of the provision.

Rob Nixon, representing the New Jersey PBA, described class 2 officers as part-time positions that frequently transition into full-time posts and urged support, saying the purchase-of-service cost is paid by the officer and that the change clarifies inconsistent pension-division treatment of buybacks.

Sean Lavin, legislative chairman for the State FOP, supported the bill but requested a committee amendment to change the current 120-day window for buying back service to 365 days, arguing that delays in academy attendance, hiring cycles—especially for seasonal shore officers—and agency enrollment processes can make 120 days impractical and would prevent many officers from buying back months of service they performed.

Committee members questioned typical durations class 2 officers spend before conversion; testimony showed wide variation from two summers for shore officers to multi-year service in some municipalities. Members debated whether to adopt the simple wording change during the meeting; the chair declined to amend on the spot without consulting the prime sponsor and the Office of Legislative Services, but the transcript records the bill as released "as amended." The committee took a roll-call vote and released A2884 to the next stage.

What happens next: The bill will proceed through the legislative process; if enacted, implementing language on enrollment dates and the buyback window would be coordinated with PFRS and relevant agencies.