Permits Paterson and Newark police who were promoted following February 2019 police sergeant exam to have those promotions deemed regular appointments.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Greenstein and 3 co-sponsors

The bill makes promotions from the Feb 23, 2019 sergeant exam in Paterson and Newark permanent regular appointments retroactively, pending working tests.

Approved P.L.2026, c.19.

Summary of Assembly Bill No. 4543 (Session 222, New Jersey)

Main purpose

Aimed at clarifying and stabilizing the status of certain police promotions in Paterson and Newark, the bill directs that police officers promoted following the February 23, 2019 sergeant examination be deemed to have regular appointments. This addresses court and administrative actions related to the 2019 exam and its scoring, ensuring those promotions are treated as permanent appointments despite later challenges to the exam process.

Context and background

The 2019 promotional sergeant exam results were affected by a court-ordered consideration of the last 10 exam questions, which were excluded from scoring due to concerns they disproportionately affected Black and Hispanic candidates. This action followed a consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice and existing law.

In August 2025, the Appellate Division invalidated the 2019 test results and required a new exam. In November 2025, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) determined that the court decision applied specifically to Paterson and Newark, and ordered that only those officers promoted from that exam be required to retake it. The CSC also stated that appointments derived from the Newark/Paterson sergeant lists and related lists were conditional.

The CSC warned that demotions affecting over 100 officers could harm morale, disrupt operations, and threaten public safety in two major cities.

Key provisions

The bill provides that promotions determined to be conditional as a result of the CSC’s final administrative action (as of November 10, 2025) in the matter referenced (Gabriele Spallacci, CSC Docket No. 2026-1023) will be treated as regular appointments as of the date the original appointments were made.

These regular appointments are to become permanent upon the employees’ successful completion of any applicable working test period requirements.

The CSC is directed to adjust personnel records to reflect the original appointment dates, ensuring consistency with the intended regular appointment status.

Who is affected

Police officers in Paterson and Newark who were promoted following the February 23, 2019 sergeant exam and who were deemed to have conditional appointments due to the CSC’s actions and court decisions.

City police departments in Paterson and Newark, as the bill specifically targets promotions from that exam and lists linked to those promotions.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The bill follows a sequence of court decisions (Appellate Division decision in August 2025; CSC order in November 2025) and aims to retrospectively solidify appointment status.

The bill assigns effect to those promotions retroactively from the date of the original appointment and requires administrative corrections to personnel records.

Status: As of the latest actions, the bill advanced from the Assembly committee and has moved through the legislative process, with Senate review subsequently noted.

Overall impact

Provides legal certainty for affected officers and departments by affirming regular, permanent appointment status for promotions tied to the 2019 sergeant exam, preventing demotions and associated disruptions.

Aims to mitigate public safety risks and organizational instability stemming from ongoing legal and administrative disputes surrounding the exam and its scoring.