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Bill

JB

Bill

S 427

Requires Administrative Law Judges to be enrolled in Workers Compensation Judges Part of PERS.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Jon Bramnick and 9 co-sponsors

Bill requires New Jersey workers' compensation judges to enroll in PERS pension system, expanding retirement benefits and state pension obligations.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee
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Bill Summary · S 427

Legislative bill overview

S 427 would require Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) who adjudicate workers' compensation cases in New Jersey to participate in the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). Currently, these judges either lack access to PERS or have different pension arrangements. The bill aims to standardize retirement benefits for this specific judicial workforce.

Why is this important

Workers' compensation ALJs make significant decisions affecting injured workers' claims and employer liability, yet their retirement security may differ from other state judicial officers. Standardizing their PERS enrollment could affect recruitment and retention of qualified judges, as well as long-term state pension obligations. This also impacts the overall cost structure of the workers' compensation system through judicial compensation packages.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact: Adding judges to PERS increases state pension liability and contribution obligations, which could require budget adjustments or affect other programs
  • Fairness concerns: Questions about why these specific judges warrant PERS inclusion when other administrative positions may not, or whether current judges should be grandfathered differently than future hires
  • Judicial independence: Whether pension arrangements should influence ALJ decision-making or create perceived bias toward state interests as a major PERS funder

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

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