WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

S 4498

Establishes Department of State Police.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Angela McKnight

Creates a standalone Department of State Police, transferring all functions and personnel from the Division of State Police and making the Commissioner report to the Governor.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee
#police
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 4498

Summary: S 4498 — Establishes Department of State Police

Purpose and intent

S 4498 would reorganize New Jersey’s law enforcement structure by creating a standalone Department of State Police within the Executive Branch. The bill transfers the functions, powers, duties, and employees of the current Division of State Police (within the Department of Law and Public Safety) to the new Department of State Police. The aim is to place leadership and reporting directly under the Governor, reshaping supervisory oversight from the Attorney General to the Governor’s office.

Key provisions

  • Establishment and scope

    • Creates a principal department named the Department of State Police (the new department).
    • The Division of State Police would no longer be part of the Department of Law and Public Safety; its functions would transfer to the Department of State Police under the new structure.

  • Leadership and appointment

    • The head of the department is the Commissioner of State Police.
    • The Commissioner is appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate and serves for the Governor’s term (until a successor is appointed and qualified).
    • The current Superintendent of State Police, upon enactment, would become the Commissioner for the remainder of the term or until a successor qualifies.

  • Transfer of powers and personnel

    • Under the State Agency Transfer Act, all functions, powers, duties, and employees of the Division of State Police are transferred to the Department of State Police.
    • The authority of the Superintendent in the Division of State Police is transferred to the Commissioner of State Police.

  • Terminology updates

    • References to “Division of State Police” would be read as the Department of State Police.
    • References to “Superintendent of State Police” would be read as the Commissioner of State Police.

  • Reporting and supervision

    • The Commissioner would report directly to the Governor.
    • The Attorney General would no longer supervise State Police operations.

  • Effective date

    • The act would take effect on the first day of the fourth month following enactment.

Affected parties

  • State Police personnel (existing Division of State Police employees) — protections for tenure, retirement, and other rights are stated to be maintained.
  • Governor and Executive Branch — direct reporting to the Governor.
  • Attorney General — reduction in supervisory authority over State Police operations.
  • General public — potential changes in organizational oversight and branding of state law enforcement.

Legislative actions and sponsors

  • Sponsor: Julia Salazar (primary).
  • Status: Introduced in the Senate and referred to the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee (initial action on February 6, 2025; additional action listed as May 22, 2025 with committee referrals).
  • Related bills: S 9548 (prior-session) and A 5646 (companion).

Notes

  • The bill references the “State Agency Transfer Act” to effect the organizational shift and to ensure a smooth transition of personnel and duties.
  • It is part of ongoing structural adjustments to New Jersey’s state government organization and law enforcement oversight.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.