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A 5034

Establishes that Superintendent of State Police holds rank of Colonel of State Police; permits appointment of retirant without reenrollment in SPRS.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Danielsen and 7 co-sponsors

Establishes the Superintendent of State Police as Colonel and allows a SPRS retirant to be appointed without reenrollment, also serving as State Director of Emergency Management.

Reported from Senate Committee, 2nd Reading
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Bill Summary · A 5034

Overview

A-5034 (NJ Session 222) proposes to make the Superintendent of State Police the rank of Colonel, and to allow a retirant of the State Police Retirement System (SPRS) to be appointed as Superintendent without reenrolling in SPRS. It also sets certain qualification, salary, and emergency management duties, and creates a pathway for a retirant to serve in this top position.

Main purpose and intent

  • Establish that the Superintendent of State Police holds the uniformed rank of Colonel of the State Police.
  • Allow a retirant (retired member) of SPRS to be appointed as Superintendent without reenrolling in SPRS.
  • Ensure the Superintendent serves as the State Director of Emergency Management.
  • Align certification, licensing, and salary provisions with the role’s requirements.

Key provisions and changes

  1. R.S.53:1-2 amendments

    • The Superintendent shall be appointed by the Governor with advice and consent of the Senate.
    • The Superintendent serves for the Governor’s term and until a successor is appointed and qualified; removable by the Governor after charges and a hearing.
    • The Superintendent shall hold the uniformed rank of Colonel and wear the corresponding uniform.
    • The Superintendent has all powers and privileges of State Police members under current law.
    • To hold the rank of Colonel, the Superintendent must complete, update, or renew NJ State Police Academy basic officer certification and obtain an initial or renewal law enforcement license as required by law.
    • Salary set at $210,000; must post a $20,000 bond before taking duties.
    • The Superintendent shall serve as the State Director of Emergency Management.

  2. New section on SPRS eligibility and retirement status

    • Despite SPRS or other laws, a SPRS retirant can be appointed as Superintendent with advice and consent of the Senate.
    • The appointee may not be required to reenroll in SPRS.
    • Eligibility requires bona fide severance from prior employment and no prearranged employment or reemployment before retirement. Salary for a retirant-appointee cannot be counted as SPRS compensation or enhance retirement benefits. Rank remains Colonel regardless of age or retirant status, provided the requirements are met and the retiree left in good standing.

  3. Effective date

    • The act takes effect immediately.

Who and what would be affected

  • The Office of the Governor, the State Senate (for advice and consent), and the New Jersey State Police leadership.
  • A potential SPRS retirant who is appointed as Superintendent (without reenrollment) would be affected, including governance around retirement status and compensation treatment.
  • Certification and licensing standards for the Superintendent (vendor: NJ State Police Academy certification and law enforcement license) would apply to the position.
  • Emergency management leadership: the Superintendent would also serve as the State Director of Emergency Management.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • Appointment process remains gubernatorial with Senate confirmation.
  • The salary and bond requirements are specified upfront ($210,000 salary; $20,000 bond).
  • The bill’s provisions about reenrollment status and retirement treatment would apply upon appointment and are conditioned on retirement in good standing and bona fide severance, with no prearranged employment.

Potential implications

  • Elevates the top State Police executive to Colonel rank, formalizing a long-standing practice in some states.
  • Provides flexibility to appoint a SPRS retirant to the role, potentially broadening candidate pool but requiring careful handling of retirement benefits and compensation treatment.
  • Centralizes emergency management responsibilities under the Superintendent.
  • May affect SPRS policy considerations and actuarial projections if the state hires a retirant in this role.

Sponsors: Co-sponsor Wayne DeAngelo. Committee: Assembly State and Local Government. Introduced 2026-05-07.

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

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