Senator Kip Bateman’s legislation to allow New Jersey State Troopers who have reached retirement age to continue serving the public during the COVID-19 outbreak has been signed into law.

Sen. Kip Bateman’s legislation to allow NJ State Troopers who have reached retirement age to continue serving the public during the COVID-19 outbreak has been signed into law. (Flickr)

“Our brave Troopers who are willing and able to remain working during these unprecedented times should not be forced to retire immediately upon hitting a certain age,” said Bateman (R-16). “Their institutional knowledge and experience is sorely needed, especially as we continue to face the uncertainty of a second wave of COVID-19 hitting New Jersey. This law will help ensure that we always have enough Troopers to  serve our communities during this crisis.”

Bateman’s bill, S-2355, waives the mandatory retirement age of 55 for a member of the State Police Retirement System (SPRS) during a state of emergency or public health emergency declared by the Governor if the member so requests. The extension would last until the end of the calendar month in which the state of emergency or public health emergency ceases.

Current law provides that any member of the State Police Retirement System, with certain very limited exceptions, must retire at the age of 55.