N.J. Stat. tit. 43, ch. 6A

in effect

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-1 Short title

This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Judicial Retirement System Act." L.1973, c. 140, s. 1, eff. May 22, 1973.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-2 Severability

If any provision, section, or part of any section of this act is declared to be unconstitutional, the same shall not be held to affect any other section or provision of this act, and the remainder of this act shall in no wise thereby be invalidated. L.1973, c. 140, s. 2, eff. May 22, 1973.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-3 Definitions.

3. As used in this act: a. "Accumulated deductions" means the sum of all amounts, deducted from the compensation of a member or contributed by him or on his behalf, standing to the credit of his individual account in the annuity saving fund. b. "Annuity" means payments for life derived from the accumulated deductions of a member as provided in this amendatory and supplementary act. c. "Annuity reserve" means the present value of all payments to be made on account of any annuity or benefit in lieu of an annuity computed on the basis of such mortality tables recommended by the actuary as the State House Commission adopts with regular interest. d. "Beneficiary" means any person entitled to receive any benefit pursuant to the provisions of this act by reason of the death of a member or retirant. e. "Child" means a deceased member's or retirant's unmarried child who is either (a) under the age of 18; (b) of any age who, at the time of the member's or retirant's death, is disabled because of mental retardation or physical incapacity, is unable to do any substantial, gainful work because of the impairment and his impairment has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, as affirmed by the medical board; or (c) under the age of 21 and is attending school full time. f. "Compensation" means the base salary, for services as a member as defined in this act, which is in accordance with established salary policies of the State for all employees in the same position but shall not include individual salary adjustments which are granted primarily in anticipation of the member's retirement or additional remuneration for performing temporary duties beyond the regular work schedule. g. "Final salary" means the annual salary received by the member at the time of his retirement or death. h. "Fiscal year" means any year commencing with July 1 and ending with June 30 next following. i. "Medical board" means the board of physicians provided for in section 29 of this act. j. "Member" means the Chief Justice and associate justices of the Supreme Court, judges of the Superior Court and tax court of the State of New Jersey required to be enrolled in the retirement system established by this act. For purposes of this act, the person holding the office of standing master by appointment pursuant to N.J.S.2A:1-7 shall have the same privileges and obligations under this act as a judge of a Superior Court. k. "Parent" means the parent of a member who was receiving at least one-half of his support from the member in the 12-month period immediately preceding the member's death or the accident which was the direct cause of the member's death. The dependency of such a parent will be considered terminated by marriage of the parent subsequent to the death of the member. l. "Pension" means payment for life derived from contributions by the State. m. "Pension reserve" means the present value of all payments to be made on account of any pension or benefit in lieu of a pension computed on the basis of such mortality tables recommended by the actuary as shall be adopted by the State House Commission with regular interest. n. "Regular interest" means interest as determined by the State Treasurer, after consultation with the Directors of the Divisions of Investment and Pensions, the State House Commission and the actuary. It shall bear a reasonable relationship to the percentage rate of earnings on investments based on the market value of assets but shall not exceed the assumed percentage rate of increase applied to salaries plus 3%, provided however that the commission shall not set the average percentage rate of increase applied to salaries below 6%. o. "Retirant" means any former member receiving a pension or retirement allowance as provided by this act. p. "Retirement allowance" means the pension plus the annuity. q. "Retirement system" or "system" herein refers to the "Judicial Retirement System of New Jersey," which is the corporate name of the arrangement for the payment of pensions, retirement allowances and other benefits under the provisions of this act including the several funds placed under said system. By that name, all of its business shall be transacted, its funds invested, warrants for money drawn, and payments made and all of its cash and securities and other property held. r. "Service" means public service rendered for which credit is allowed on the basis of contributions made by the State. s. "Several courts" means the Supreme, Superior, and tax courts. t. "Widow" means the woman to whom a member or a retirant was married, or a domestic partner as defined in section 3 of P.L.2003, c.246 (C.26:8A-3), at least four years before the date of his death and to whom he continued to be married or a domestic partner until the date of his death. The eligibility of such a widow to receive a survivor's benefit will be considered terminated by the marriage of, or establishment of a domestic partnership by, the widow subsequent to the member's or the retirant's death. In the event of accidental death the four-year qualification shall be waived. When used in this act, the term "widow" shall mean and include "widower" as may be necessary and appropriate to the particular situation. u. "Widower" means the man to whom a member or a retirant was married, or a domestic partner as defined in section 3 of P.L.2003, c.246 (C.26:8A-3), at least four years before the date of her death and to whom she continued to be married or a domestic partner until the date of her death. The eligibility of such a widower to receive a survivor's benefit will be considered terminated by the marriage of, or establishment of a domestic partnership by, the widower subsequent to the member's or retirant's death. In the event of accidental death the four-year qualification shall be waived. v. "Spouse" means the husband or wife, or domestic partner as defined in section 3 of P.L.2003, c.246 (C.26:8A-3), of a member or retirant. L.1973,c.140,s.3; amended 1973, c.304, s.1; 1977, c.317, s.2; 1981, c.470, s.1; 1991, c.91, s.411; 1992, c.41, s.7; 1992, c.125, s.4; 2003, c.246, s.44.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-3.1 Final salary; retirement after January 1, 1982

Notwithstanding the provisions of any law, rule or regulation to the contrary, the final salary of any member who retires after January 1, 1982 shall be the annual salary to which that member would have been entitled had he been an active member of the retirement system on January 19, 1982. L.1982, c. 22, s. 1.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-4 Establishment; powers and privileges; purpose

There is hereby established the "Judicial Retirement System of New Jersey" in the Division of Pensions of the Department of the Treasury. It shall have the powers and privileges of a corporation. Its purpose is to provide pensions and other benefits for its members and their beneficiaries in accordance with the provisions of this act. L.1973, c. 140, s. 4, eff. May 22, 1973.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-5 Membership

5. The membership of the retirement system shall include: a. The Chief Justice and the associate justices of the Supreme Court. b. Any judge of the Superior Court. c. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1991, c.91). d. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1991, c.91). e. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1991, c.91). Membership in the retirement system is a condition for judicial service for the members of the Judiciary herein listed. Membership in the retirement system shall cease upon retirement, death or resignation. L.1973,c.140,s.5; amended 1991,c.91,s.412.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-6 Computation of years of service

Not more than 1 year shall be credited for all service in a calendar year. In computing years of service, any service for which the member did not receive an annual salary or compensation of at least $500.00 shall be disregarded. Only service as a public employee of New Jersey shall be considered. L.1973, c. 140, s. 6, eff. May 22, 1973.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-7 Mandatory age of retirement; early retirement; application

Any member of the retirement system who has reached the age of 70 years shall be retired forthwith. Any other eligible member of the retirement system may be retired on the first day of the next calendar month subsequent to the filing of a written and duly executed application with the retirement system. Such application shall be accompanied by a copy of the member's resignation from his judicial office which he has filed in the office of the Secretary of State. L.1973, c. 140, s. 7, eff. May 22, 1973. Amended by L.1973, c. 304, s. 2, eff. Dec. 7, 1973.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-8 Eligibility for retirement; 10 years or more of service; amount of pension

a. Any member who shall have served at least 10 years as a judge of the several courts and having attained the age of 70 years, shall be retired. b. Any member who shall have served at least 15 years as a judge of the several courts and having attained the age of 65 years but not the age of 70 years, may retire. c. Any member who shall have served at least 20 years as a judge of the several courts and having attained the age of 60 years but not the age of 65 years, may retire. d. Service in the several courts as given in subsections a., b. and c. of this section shall include service in the office of the Chancellor, Chief Justice of the old Supreme Court, associate justice of the old supreme court, judge of the circuit court, Vice-Chancellor, judge of the court of errors and appeals, judge of the court of common pleas, and advisory master to the superior court. e. Any member of the retirement system eligible to retire under the provisions of this section, shall receive a retirement allowance consisting of an annuity which shall be the actuarial equivalent of his accumulated deductions together with regular interest, and a pension which, when added to the member's annuity, will provide a retirement allowance during the remainder of his life in the amount equal to three-quarters of his final salary. L.1973, c. 140, s. 8, eff. May 22, 1973. Amended by L.1981, c. 470, s. 2, eff. Jan. 19, 1982.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-9 Eligibility for retirement; 5 years or more of service with additional public service; amount of pension

a. Any judge of the several courts, who shall have served at least 5 years successively as such judge and shall have attained the age of 65 years or more while serving in such office and shall have served at least 15 years in the aggregate, including such service as a judge, or in office, position, or employment of this State or of a county, municipality, board of education or public agency of this State, may retire. b. Any judge of the several courts, who shall have served at least 5 years successively as such judge and shall have attained the age of 60 years or more while serving in such office and shall have served at least 20 years in the aggregate, including such service as a judge, or in office, position, or employment of this State or of a county, municipality, board of education or public agency of this State, may retire. c. Any member of the retirement system, eligible to retire under the provisions of this section, shall receive a retirement allowance consisting of an annuity which shall be the actuarial equivalent of his accumulated deductions together with regular interest, and a pension which, when added to the member's annuity, will provide a retirement allowance during the remainder of his life in an amount equal to one-half of his final salary. L.1973, c. 140, s. 9, eff. May 22, 1973. Amended by L.1981, c. 470, s. 3, eff. Jan. 19, 1982.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-9.1 Five years as judge with 15 years additional public service at age 60

Any judge of the several courts who shall have attained the age of 60 years or more and who shall have served at least 5 years successively as a judge of the several courts and at least 15 years in the aggregate including such service as a judge or in office, position or employment of this State or a county, municipality, board of education, or public agency of this State may retire; provided that election is communicated by such judge to the retirement system by filing a written application duly attested stating at what time subsequent to the execution and filing thereof he desires to be retired. He shall receive an annuity which is the actuarial equivalent of his accumulated deductions together with regular interest, and a pension which, when added to the member's annuity, will provide a retirement allowance in the amount of 2% of his final salary multiplied by his number of years of service up to 25 plus 1% of his final salary multiplied by his number of years of service over 25. The State House Commission shall retire him at the time specified or at such other time within 1 month after the date so specified as the commission finds advisable. L.1973, c. 304, s. 5, eff. Dec. 7, 1973. Amended by L.1981, c. 470, s. 23, eff. Jan. 19, 1982.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-9.2 Judge serving at age 60

Any judge of the several courts who shall have attained the age of 60 years or more while serving as such judge may retire; provided that such election is communicated by such member to the retirement system by filing a written application duly attested stating at what time subsequent to the execution and filing thereof he desires to be retired. He shall receive an annuity which is the actuarial equivalent of his accumulated deductions together with regular interest, and a pension which, when added to the member's annuity, will provide a retirement allowance in the amount of 2% of his final salary multiplied by his number of years of judicial service up to 25 plus 1% of his final salary multiplied by his number of years of service over 25. The State House Commission shall retire him at the time specified or at such other time within 1 month after the date so specified as the commission finds advisable. L.1973, c. 304, s. 6, eff. Dec. 7, 1973. Amended by L.1981, c. 470, s. 24, eff. Jan. 19, 1982.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-9.3 Judges of county court; entitlement to qualify for maximum pension if entitled to maximum pension under prior law

Any judge of the county court who was entitled to qualify for the maximum pension of 50% of his final salary under an act repealed by the Judicial Retirement System Act, P.L.1973, c. 140, shall be entitled to qualify himself for the maximum pension of 75% of his final salary as provided under said Judicial Retirement System Act. L.1976, c. 62, s. 1.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-9.4 Judge's widow; pension

Upon receipt of the proper proofs of death of a judge who has retired under the provisions of this supplementary act, there shall be paid to the judge's widow a pension of 25% of the final salary received by the member. L.1976, c. 62, s. 2.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-9.5 Inapplicability of act to judge or surviving widow; retirement prior to July 1, 1976

The provisions of this act shall not apply to any judge or the surviving widow of any judge who has retired prior to the effective date hereof. L.1976, c. 62, s. 3.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-9.6 Eligibility for retirement; age 70 with 25 years of public service

Any judge of the several courts who shall have served at least 4 years successively as such judge and shall have served at least 25 years in the aggregate in office, position, or employment of this State or of a county, municipality, board of education or public agency of this State, including such service as a judge, shall upon attaining the age of 70 years and upon making application to the State House Commission within 1 year following the effective date of this act be eligible to receive an annual pension during the remainder of his life in an amount equal to one-half of his final salary. Any judge who accepts a judicial pension pursuant to this act shall waive for himself, his heirs and his beneficiaries all of his rights under any other public pension system established under any law of this State. L.1979, c. 259, s. 1, eff. Dec. 28, 1979.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-10 Early retirement; 5 or more years of service with additional public service of 20 or more years; amount of pension

Should any member resign, or fail of reappointment who shall have served at least 5 years successively as a judge of the several courts and at least 25 years in the aggregate, including such service as a judge or in office, position, or employment of this State or a county, municipality, board of education, or public agency of this State, before reaching age 60, he may elect "early" retirement, provided, that such election is communicated by such member to the retirement system by filing a written application, duly attested, stating at what time subsequent to the execution and filing thereof he desires to be retired. He shall receive an annuity which is the actuarial equivalent of his accumulated deductions together with regular interest, and a pension which, when added to the member's annuity, will provide a retirement allowance in the amount of 2% of his final salary multiplied by his number of years of service up to 25 plus 1% of his final salary multiplied by his number of years of service over 25; provided, however, that such retirement allowance shall be reduced in accordance with a table of actuarial equivalents recommended by the actuary and adopted by the retirement system reflecting all months that the member lacks of being age 60. The State House Commission shall retire him at the time specified or at such other time within 1 month after the date so specified as the commission finds advisable. L.1973, c. 140, s. 10, eff. May 22, 1973. Amended by L.1981, c. 470, s. 4, eff. Jan. 19, 1982.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-11 Resignation or failure of reappointment after 5 successive years and 10 years in aggregate; election of benefit

Should any member resign, or fail of reappointment who shall have served at least 5 years successively as a judge of the several courts and at least 10 years in the aggregate, including such service as a judge or in office, position, or employment of this State or a county, municipality, board of education, or public agency of this State, before reaching age 60, and not by removal for cause on charges of misconduct or delinquency, he may elect to receive: a. All of his accumulated deductions standing to the credit of his individual account in the annuity savings fund, or b. A deferred retirement allowance, beginning on the first day of the month following his attainment of age 60 and the filing of an application therefor, which shall consist of an annuity derived from the accumulated deductions standing to the credit of the member's account in the annuity savings fund at the time of his severance from service together with regular interest, and a pension which, when added to the annuity, will produce a retirement allowance in the amount of 2% of his final salary multiplied by his number of years of service up to 25 plus 1% of his final salary multiplied by his number of years of service over 25, provided that such inactive member may elect to receive payments provided under section 10 if he had qualified under that section at the time of leaving service, except that in order to avail himself of the option, he must exercise such option at least 1 month before the effective date of his retirement. If such inactive member shall die after attaining age 60 but before filing an application for retirement benefits pursuant to this section or section 10 and for which benefits he would have qualified, or in the event of death after retirement, there shall be paid to such member's beneficiary the death benefits prescribed by section 19. No beneficiary shall be eligible for a pension or survivor's benefit if the member who elected to receive a deferred pension prior to the effective date of this amendatory and supplementary act or who elects to receive a deferred retirement allowance following the effective date of this amendatory and supplementary act shall die before attaining age 60. Upon receipt of the proper proofs of death, the beneficiary of a member who elects to receive a deferred retirement allowance shall be paid the member's accumulated deductions at the time of death together with regular interest. Any member who, having elected to receive a deferred pension or deferred retirement allowance, again becomes a member while under the age of 60, shall thereupon be reenrolled. He shall be credited with all service as a member standing to his credit at the time of his election to receive a deferred pension or deferred retirement allowance. L.1973, c. 140, s. 11, eff. May 22, 1973. Amended by L.1981, c. 177, s. 2, eff. June 19, 1981; L.1981, c. 470, s. 5, eff. Jan. 19, 1982.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-11.1 Certain members of Judicial Retirement System; deferment.

1. Notwithstanding the provisions of any law or regulation to the contrary, a member of the Judicial Retirement System who has been appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to the position of Administrative Director of the Courts in accordance with Article VI, Section VII, paragraph 1 of the New Jersey Constitution may file, prior to commencing service as the Administrative Director of the Courts, a written and duly executed application for retirement for any reason other than disability if the member has attained the age of 65 years, has the necessary judicial service credit for a full judicial retirement, and has served for 20 years as a judge for any court in New Jersey. The approval process shall be expedited. If the application is approved, the effective date of retirement for that member shall be deferred to the first day of the month following the termination of the member's service in the position of Administrative Director of the Courts. The application for retirement shall be accompanied by a copy of the member's written resignation from the judicial office effective as of the date of the approval of the retirement application. If such a person attains the age of 70 years while serving as the Administrative Director of the Courts and has an approved application for the member's retirement the effective date of which has been deferred, this section shall specifically override the JRS mandatory retirement age of 70 enacted in section 7 of P.L.1973, c.140 (C.43:6A-7) and in the administrative code and shall allow for the deferment of the mandatory retirement for JRS to the first day of the month following the termination of the member's service in the position of Administrative Director of the Courts. If such a person dies while in service as the Administrative Director of the Courts, the death shall not be considered a death in active service. The beneficiary shall be eligible for a pension or survivor's benefit and for any death benefits, based on the approved retirement application and the retirement shall be effective as of the date of death. The election by the member of an option in accordance with section 1 of P.L.2002, c.54 (C.43:6A-16.1) shall become effective and payable. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, a person who files an application for retirement pursuant to this section and serves in the position of Administrative Director of the Courts shall not be eligible to enroll in any other State-administered retirement system or receive any other payments from the State deemed to be payments for retirement accounts, funds, or pensions, not including annuities. The person and the person's dependents shall be eligible for health care benefits coverage provided for the position of Administrative Director of the Courts during service in that position. This section shall be effective if the qualified status of the retirement system under federal law can be maintained upon its application, and such modifications to the system as may be available shall be made to allow for its application. L.2019, c.287, s.1; amended 2021, c.105; 2021, c.329, s.1; 2022, c.94; 2024, c.56, s.5.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-11.2 Deferred retirement, annuities, Judicial Retirement System, reactivation.

1. A person who deferred retirement pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2019, c.287 (C.43:6A-11.1) between November 1, 2020 and the effective date of this act, P.L.2023, c.31 (C.43:6A-11.2), and had received annuities from a State-administered retirement account while a member of the Judicial Retirement System pursuant to section 14 of P.L.1973, c.140 (C.43:6A-14), which annuities ceased upon commencing service as a county prosecutor or as the Administrative Director of the Courts, may notify the Division of Pensions and Benefits of the person's election to have the annuities that were received by such person while a member of the Judicial Retirement System reactivated during such person's service as a county prosecutor or as the Administrative Director of the Courts. L.2023, c.31.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-12 Disability retirement

Whenever the Supreme Court shall certify to the Governor, any member who shall have served as a judge of the several courts, may be retired for disability if the member has become physically or otherwise incapacitated for full and efficient service to the State in his judicial capacity. The Governor shall thereupon refer the disability claim to three physicians of skill and repute in their profession and residents of this State who shall examine the member and report to the Governor as to his physical or other disability and whether in all reasonable probability, if they find the disability existent, it will continue permanently and does and will continue to prevent the member from giving full and efficient service in the performance of his judicial duties. If the report confirms the existence of the disability, and if the Governor approves the report, the member shall be retired not less than 1 month next following the date of filing of an application with the retirement system, and he shall receive a retirement allowance which shall consist of an annuity which is the actuarial equivalent of his accumulated deductions together with regular interest, and a pension which, when added to the member's annuity, will provide a retirement allowance during the remainder of his life in an amount equal to three-fourths of his final salary. L.1973, c. 140, s. 12, eff. May 22, 1973. Amended by L.1973, c. 304, s. 3, eff. Dec. 7, 1973; L.1981, c. 470, s. 6, eff. Jan. 19, 1982.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-13 Retired judge not to engage in practice of law; assignment to sit in court

13. a. (1) No member of the retirement system shall, while receiving a pension or retirement allowance pursuant to P.L.1973, c.140 (C.43:6A-1 et seq.), engage in the practice of law before any of the courts of this State. This prohibition shall not apply to a county prosecutor appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate in accordance with N.J.S.2A:158-1. (2) A member of the retirement system, while receiving a pension or retirement allowance pursuant to P.L.1973, c.140 (C.43:6A-1 et seq.), may serve as a county prosecutor appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate in accordance with N.J.S.2A:158-1 and receive the full salary for that position. While serving as a county prosecutor, the former member of the retirement system shall not participate in the Defined Contribution Retirement Program or be enrolled in any other State-administered retirement system on the basis of service as a county prosecutor. (3) The effective date of retirement for a former member of the retirement system who is serving as a county prosecutor on the effective date of P.L.2024, c.56, and who was approved for a deferred retirement in accordance with section 1 of P.L.2019, c.287 (C.43:6A-11.1) prior to that effective date, shall be adjusted to the first day of the month following the effective date of P.L.2024, c.56 and the pension or retirement allowance shall become payable in accordance with P.L.1973, c.140 (C.43:6A-1 et seq.). For the former member of the retirement system whose pension or retirement allowance becomes payable and who was made eligible for deferred State-paid health care benefits coverage in the State Health Benefits Program in accordance section 2 of P.L.2019, c.287 (C.52:14-17.32o) prior to the effective date of P.L.2024, c.56, the former member and the former member's dependents shall be entitled to such health care benefits coverage and payments for such coverage as the former State member was eligible on the date terminating full-time employment as a judge with the State and shall be enrolled for coverage in the program as of the first day of the month following the effective date of P.L.2024, c.56 or as soon as feasible thereafter. b. Subject to rules of the Supreme Court, any justice of the Supreme Court who has retired on pension or retirement allowance may, with his consent, be recalled by the Supreme Court for temporary service in the Supreme Court or elsewhere within the judicial system, and any judge of the Superior Court, juvenile and domestic relations court, county district court, or tax court who has retired on pension or retirement allowance may, with his consent, be recalled by the Supreme Court for temporary service within the judicial system other than the Supreme Court. c. Upon such recall, the retired justice or judge shall have all the powers of a justice or judge of the court to which he is assigned and shall be paid a per diem allowance fixed by the Supreme Court in accordance with its rules, provided however that in no event shall he receive a salary which together with his pension or retirement allowance exceeds the current salary of a justice or judge of the court from which he retired. In addition, the recalled justice or judge shall be reimbursed for reasonable expenses actually incurred by him in connection with his assignment and shall be provided with such facilities as may be required in the performance of his duties. Such per diem compensation and expenses shall be paid by the State. d. Payment for services and expenses shall be made in the same manner as payment is made to the justices or judges of the court from which he retired. e. The Supreme Court is empowered to adopt such rules as it deems necessary or appropriate for the prompt and efficient administration of justice in furtherance of the purposes of this act. L.1973,c.140,s.13; amended 1975,c.14; 1981,c.470,s.7; 1990,c.45,s.1; 2024, c.56, s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-14 Membership in other retirement system under state law

a. Any judge who is required to be a member of the retirement system established by this act and who holds membership in a retirement system established pursuant to any other law of this State shall cease to be a member of such other retirement system as of the effective date of this act. Any person becoming a judge of the several courts after the effective date of this act, who holds membership in a retirement system established pursuant to any other law of this State shall cease to be a member of such other retirement system on the date he becomes such judge. b. Any such judge shall, upon his request, receive a refund of his contributions to such retirement system, without interest, less any unpaid balance of an outstanding loan, as of the effective date of this act or the date on which he becomes such judge, whichever is later. If any such judge shall be eligible for benefits under any such retirement system as of the effective date of this act, or if later, as of the date he becomes such judge, he may elect to receive an annuity based on his own contributions while continuing to serve as such judge; provided, however, that if any such judge shall subsequently elect to receive benefits under the provisions of this act, all rights to retirement and death benefits under any other law of this State shall thereby be terminated except as hereinafter provided in subsection c. c. If any such judge elects to receive benefits pursuant to the provisions of this act after having received benefits from a retirement system established pursuant to another law of this State, such judge shall be entitled to receive the value of his contributions, without interest, to such other retirement system reduced by the value of any benefits received from such retirement system. If any such judge dies in service before he could elect to receive the benefits pursuant to the provisions of this act, after having received benefits from a retirement system established pursuant to another law of this State, his eligible beneficiary shall be entitled to receive the value of the member's contributions, without interest, to such other retirement system reduced by the value of any benefits received by the judge from such retirement system. d. After the effective date of this amendatory and supplementary act, any person appointed to be a judge to sit on any of the several courts who holds membership in a State-administered retirement system may elect to transfer the service for which he has been credited in that system to the Judicial Retirement System of New Jersey. The transfer shall be accomplished by filing forms satisfactory to the New Jersey Division of Pensions, which is responsible for the administration of the Judicial Retirement System, within 90 days following the effective date of this amendatory and supplementary act or his appointment to one of the several courts, whichever is later. e. Within 120 days following the filing of forms provided in subsection d. of this section, the former retirement system of the judge shall remit to the Judicial Retirement System of New Jersey all accumulated deductions standing to his credit and within 180 days following the filing of the forms the retirement system shall remit the pro rata part of the reserve fund constituting the employer's obligations under the former system applicable to the employee's account, and the Judicial Retirement System of New Jersey shall then enter the respective sums so remitted to it to the credit of the judge in the annuity savings fund and to the credit of the employer in the contingency reserve fund of the Judicial Retirement System of New Jersey. All outstanding obligations such as loans, purchasers, and other arrearages shall be met by the judge as previously scheduled for payment to his former retirement system. f. In the event that the value of the money so remitted to the Judicial Retirement System is less than the total which is required by the retirement system to provide the transferred member with credit for his public service, the liability of the State shall include an amount equal to the difference between these two values. L.1973, c. 140, s. 14, eff. May 22, 1973. Amended by L.1981, c. 470, s. 8, eff. Jan. 19, 1982.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-14.1 Election to terminate membership in other retirement system or waiver of joinder in judicial retirement system; credit for public service

a. Any judge who is required to be a member of the retirement system and who is receiving a retirement allowance or pension from a retirement system established pursuant to any other law of this State may elect to terminate his retirement status in such other system by filing a proper form waiving all of his rights and privileges in such other system or he may elect to continue the receipt of his retirement allowance or pension by filing a proper form with the Judicial Retirement System expressing his final and irrevocable intention not to enroll as a member of the Judicial Retirement System. Such waivers must be filed within 90 days from the date of his appointment. b. The judge who elects to enroll in the Judicial Retirement System after having received benefits from a retirement system established pursuant to another law of this State shall be entitled to receive the value of his contributions, without interest, to such other retirement system reduced by the value of any benefits received from such retirement system. c. The judge who elects to enroll in the Judicial Retirement System shall be eligible for all the benefits of the system and receive credit for all public service which would otherwise be credited to the account of any other member. L.1973, c. 304, s. 7, eff. Dec. 7, 1973.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-14.2 Credit for previous service in office, position or employment of state or governmental entity; application; purchase; employer's accrued liability obligation

a. Following the effective date of this amendatory and supplementary act, any judge who shall be appointed to sit on any of the several courts who wishes to receive credit for previous service rendered in office, position or employment of this State or of a county, municipality, board of education, or public agency of this State, shall file an application therefor with the State House Commission and pay into the annuity savings fund the amount required by applying the factor, supplied by the actuary, as being applicable to his age at the time of purchase, to his salary at that time. Such purchase may be made in regular installments, equal to at least one-half the full normal contribution to the retirement system over a maximum period to be determined by the State House Commission. In the case of any person coming under the provisions of this section, full pension credit for the period of employment for which arrears are being paid shall be given upon the payment of at least one-half the total arrearage obligation and the completion of 1 year of membership and the making of such arrears payments, except that in the case of retirement pursuant to sections 9, 10 or 11 of P.L.1973, c. 140 or sections 5 or 6 of P.L.1973, c. 304 the total membership credit for such service shall be in direct proportion as the amount paid bears to the total amount of arrearage obligation. b. The State shall pay to the retirement system the employer's accrued liability obligation on behalf of such person purchasing prior service credit. L.1981, c. 470, s. 25, eff. Jan. 19, 1982.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-15 Veterans; ineligibility for retirement benefits as public employee

No public employee veteran eligible for membership in the retirement system established by this act shall be eligible for, or receive, retirement benefits under R.S. 43:4-1, 43:4-2 and 43:4-3. L.1973, c. 140, s. 15, eff. May 22, 1973.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-16 Pensions and retirement allowances in monthly installments

16. All pensions or retirement allowances granted under the provisions of this act shall be effective on the first day following retirement, shall be paid in equal monthly installments, except that in those instances where payment is required for a portion of a month which is not complete a pro rata payment shall be made, and shall not be decreased, increased, revoked or repealed, except as otherwise provided in this act. Upon the death of a retirant, any unpaid benefits due him shall be paid in one lump sum to his beneficiary. No pension or retirement allowance shall be due to a retirant or a beneficiary unless it constitutes a payment for an entire month; provided, however, that a pension, annuity or retirement allowance shall be payable for the entire month in which the retirant or beneficiary dies. L.1973,c.140,s.16; amended 1973,c.304,s.4; 1981,c.470,s.9; 1993,c.335,s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-16.1 Options for payment of survivor benefits in Judicial Retirement System

1. At the time of retirement, a member of the Judicial Retirement System, established pursuant to P.L.1973, c.140 (C.43:6A-1 et seq.), shall receive benefits in a retirement allowance payable throughout life, or the member may, on retirement, elect to receive the actuarial equivalent of the member's retirement allowance, in a lesser retirement allowance payable throughout life, with the provision that: Option 1. If the member dies before the member has received in payments the present value of the retirement allowance as it was at the time of retirement, the balance shall be paid to a legal representative or to such person as the member shall nominate by written designation acknowledged and filed with the retirement system, either in a lump sum or by equal payments over a period of years at the option of the payee. If the member shall have designated a natural person as the payee, the payee may elect to receive such payments in the form of a life annuity. Option 2. Upon the member's death, the member's retirement allowance shall be continued throughout the life of and paid to such person as the member shall nominate by written designation duly acknowledged and filed with the retirement system at the time of retirement. Option 3. Upon the member's death, one-half of the member's retirement allowance shall be continued throughout the life of and paid to such person as the member shall nominate by written designation duly acknowledged and filed with the retirement system at the time of retirement. Option 4. Some other benefit or benefits shall be paid either to the member or to whomever the member nominates, if such other benefit or benefits, together with the lesser retirement allowance, shall be certified by the actuary to be of equivalent actuarial value. In no case, however, shall the lesser retirement allowance be smaller than that provided under Option 2. Option 5. Some other benefit, which is equivalent to the full amount, three-quarters, one-half or one-quarter of the member's retirement allowance, shall be paid to whomever the member nominates and if that nominee dies before the member, the member's retirement allowance shall increase to the maximum retirement allowance for the member's lifetime, provided that such other benefit together with the member's lesser and maximum retirement allowances shall be certified by the actuary to be of equivalent actuarial value. If the total amount of benefits paid to a retirant who does not elect to receive benefits in the form of an optional settlement, or to the retirant and the designated beneficiary in the case of a retirant who does so elect, before the death of the retirant or the retirant and the beneficiary is less than the deductions accumulated in the retirant's account at the time of retirement, including regular interest, the balance shall be paid in one lump sum to the retirant's designated beneficiary or estate in the manner provided in section 16 of P.L.1973, c.140 (C.43:6A-16). Except in the case of members who have elected to receive (1) a deferred retirement allowance pursuant to section 11 of P.L.1973, c.140 (C.43:6A-11) or (2) early retirement allowances pursuant to section 10 of P.L.1973, c.140 (C.43:6A-10) after separation from service pursuant to section 11, if a member dies within 30 days after the date of retirement or the date of approval by the State House Commission, whichever is later, the member's retirement allowance shall not become effective and the member shall be considered an active member at the time of death. However, if the member dies after the date the application for retirement was filed with the system, the retirement shall become effective if: a. The deceased member had designated a beneficiary under an optional settlement provided by this section; and b. The surviving beneficiary requests in writing that the State House Commission make such a selection. Upon formal action by the commission approving that request, the request shall be irrevocable. The commission may select an Option 3 settlement, on behalf of the beneficiary of a member who applied for and was eligible for retirement but who died prior to the effective date of the retirement allowance, if all of the above conditions, with the exception of a., are met. Nothing in this act, P.L.2002, c.54 (C.43:6A-16.1 et al.), shall affect the payment of the survivor benefits under section 18 of P.L.1973, c. (C.43:6A-18). L.2002,c.54,s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-16.2 Form required when member chooses certain option; notification to spouse

2. Whenever a member of the Judicial Retirement System elects a retirement allowance which is payable for the life of the member only and terminating at the member's death, without refund of any kind to the member's spouse, the member shall be required, before electing that benefit, to sign a form stating that the member has elected that benefit, that the member understands that it is payable during the member's lifetime only and that no benefits will be payable to the member's spouse after death, other than the survivor benefits provided by section 18 of P.L.1973, c.140 (C.43:6A-18) and any applicable life insurance benefits. The Division of Pensions and Benefits in the Department of the Treasury shall notify the member's spouse if the member identifies the spouse on the form. Notification shall be by certified mail to the spouse's address as provided on the form by the member. If the member has not provided an address for the spouse on the form, the division shall send the notice, by certified mail, to the spouse at the member's address. The notice shall advise the spouse that the retirement benefit chosen by the member is payable during the member's lifetime only and that no benefits, other than the survivor benefits provided by section 18 of P.L.1973, c.140 (C.43:6A-18) and any applicable life insurance benefits, shall be payable to the beneficiary after the member's death. L.2002,c.54,s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-17 Death in active service; payments to beneficiaries

a. Upon the receipt of proper proofs of the death in active service of a member of the retirement system, there shall be paid to his widow a survivor's benefit of 25% of final salary for the use of herself, to continue during her widowhood, plus 10% of final salary payable to one surviving child or plus 15% of final salary to two or more surviving children; if there is no surviving widow or in case the widow dies or remarries, 15% of final salary will be payable to one surviving child, 20% of final salary to two surviving children in equal shares and if there be three or more children, 30% of final salary will be payable to such children in equal shares. If there is no surviving widow or child, 20% of final salary will be payable to one surviving parent or 30% of final salary will be payable to two surviving parents in equal shares. b. In addition to the foregoing benefits payable under subsection a., there shall also be paid in one sum to the member's beneficiary an amount equal to one and one-half times the final salary received by the member. c. For the purposes of this section final salary means the current salary for the judicial position in which the member served at the time of death. L.1973, c. 140, s. 17, eff. May 22, 1973. Amended by L.1981, c. 470, s. 10, eff. Jan. 19, 1982.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-17.1 Additional death benefit for members of Judicial Retirement System.

1. a. Each member of the retirement system on the effective date of any insurance contract or program approved by the State House Commission will be eligible to purchase the additional death benefit coverage hereinafter described, provided the member selects such coverage within 90 days after that effective date. b. A person becoming a member of the retirement system after the effective date of any insurance contract or program approved by the State House Commission who on the date of becoming a member is less than 60 years of age shall automatically be covered for such additional death benefit coverage from the first day of membership on which the person is actively at work and performing all regular duties at the customary place of employment. Such automatic coverage shall continue during the member's first year of membership, and during that year the member shall make contributions as fixed by the retirement system. Additional death benefit coverage for the member shall continue in effect after the first year of membership on the continuance of payment of the required contributions therefor. c. A person becoming a member of the retirement system after the effective date of any insurance contract or program approved by the State House Commission who on the date of becoming a member is 60 or more years of age may, within one year from the date of membership, elect to purchase such additional death benefit coverage, provided that the member furnishes satisfactory evidence of insurability and on the date of such election is actively at work and performing all regular duties at the customary place of employment. d. Notwithstanding other provisions of this section relating to the amount of death benefit applicable to a member who has acquired or shall acquire additional death benefit coverage, the death benefit payable in the event of death occurring on or after the effective date of any insurance contract or program approved by the State House Commission and during the first year of membership shall be based upon the member's annual base salary. The effective date of coverage of any person electing to purchase additional death benefit coverage pursuant to the provisions of subsection a. or c. of this section shall be the first day of the month immediately following the date of such election unless evidence of insurability is required as a condition of such election in which event the effective date of coverage shall be the first day of the month which immediately follows the later of (1) the date of such election, or (2) the date such evidence is determined to be satisfactory. e. The State House Commission shall establish schedules of contributions to be made by the members who elect to purchase the additional death benefit coverage. Such contributions shall be so computed that the contributions made by or on behalf of all covered members in the aggregate shall be sufficient to provide for the cost of the benefits provided under this section. Such schedules of contributions shall be subject to adjustment from time to time by the commission, as the need may appear. f. Upon the receipt of proper proofs of the death in service of any such member while covered for the additional death benefit coverage there shall be paid to such person, if living, as the member shall have nominated by written designation duly executed and filed with the retirement system, otherwise to the executor or administrator of the member's estate, an amount equal to one and one-half times the compensation received by the member in the last year of creditable service or some lesser or greater amount as may be provided by the insurance contract or program. g. The contributions of a member for the additional death benefit coverage shall be deducted from the member's compensation, but if there is no compensation from which such contributions may be deducted it shall be the obligation of the member to make such contributions directly to the retirement system or as directed by the State House Commission. h. Any other provision of P.L.1973, c.140 (C.43:6A-1 et seq.) notwithstanding, the contributions of a member for the additional death benefit coverage under this section shall not be returnable to the member or the member's beneficiary in any manner, or for any reason whatsoever, nor shall any contributions made for the additional death benefit coverage be included in any annuity payable to any such member or beneficiary. i. A member who has elected to purchase the additional death benefit coverage provided by this section may file with the retirement system, and alter from time to time during the member's lifetime as desired, a duly attested nomination of the payee of the death benefit provided under this section. Such member may also file with the retirement system, and alter from time to time during the member's lifetime as desired, a request directing payment of said benefit in one sum or in equal annual installments over a period of years or as a life annuity. Any such nomination or request shall be made in writing on a form satisfactory to the retirement system and shall be effective upon receipt by the retirement system. Upon the death of such member, a beneficiary to whom a benefit is payable in one sum may elect to receive the amount payable in equal annual installments over a period of years or as a life annuity. If more than one beneficiary is nominated and the member has not specified their respective interests, the beneficiaries shall share equally. If any beneficiary predeceases the member, the interest of that beneficiary shall terminate and shall be shared equally by such of the beneficiaries as survive the member unless the member has made written request to the contrary in the beneficiary nomination. Any amounts due for which there is no beneficiary at the death of the member or beneficiary shall be payable to the estate of the member or beneficiary. j. All other provisions of this section notwithstanding, this section and the benefits provided under this section shall not come into effect until a required percentage of the members shall have applied for the additional death benefit coverage under this section. This required percentage shall be fixed by the State House Commission. Applications for such additional death benefit coverage shall be submitted to the secretary of the commission, or such other person as the commission may designate, in such manner and upon such forms as the commission shall provide. The benefits, rights and options of members and their beneficiaries shall be limited to and governed by the provisions of any insurance contract or program approved by the commission, subject to the provisions of this section. L.1997,c.205,s.1; amended 2001, c.74.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-18 Death after retirement; payments to beneficiaries

Upon the receipt of proper proofs of the death after retirement of a member of the retirement system, there shall be paid to his widow a survivor's benefit of 25% of final salary for the use of herself, to continue during her widowhood, plus 10% of final salary payable to one surviving child or plus 15% of final salary to two or more surviving children; if there is no surviving widow or in case the widow dies or remarries, 15% of final salary will be payable to one surviving child, 20% of final salary to two surviving children in equal shares and if there be three or more children, 30% of final salary will be payable to such children in equal shares. For the purposes of this section final salary means the current salary for the judicial position in which the member served at retirement. L.1973, c. 140, s. 18, eff. May 22, 1973. Amended by L.1981, c. 470, s. 11, eff. Jan. 19, 1982.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-19 Death of retirant on pension or retirement allowance based on age and service or early retirement; payments to beneficiary

Upon the receipt of proper proofs of the death of a member who has retired on a pension or retirement allowance based on age and service, or pursuant to section 10, there shall be paid to the member's beneficiary, an amount equal to one-fourth of the final salary received by the member. L.1973, c. 140, s. 19, eff. May 22, 1973. Amended by L.1981, c. 470, s. 12, eff. Jan. 19, 1982.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-20 Death of disability retirant; payments to beneficiary

Upon the receipt of proper proofs of the death of a member who has retired on a disability pension or retirement allowance, there shall be paid to the member's beneficiary, an amount equal to one and one-half times the final salary received by the member if such death occurs before the member shall have attained 60 years of age but if such death occurs thereafter, an amount equal to one-fourth of the final salary received by the member. L.1973, c. 140, s. 20, eff. May 22, 1973. Amended by L.1981, c. 470, s. 13, eff. Jan. 19, 1982.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-21 Group life insurance coverage; authorization to purchase; benefits in lieu of death benefits

The State Treasurer is hereby authorized and permitted to purchase from one or more life insurance companies, as determined by him, group life insurance coverage to provide for the death benefits specified in sections 17 b., 19 and 20. Such group life insurance coverage may be provided under one or more policies issued to the State Treasurer specifically for this purpose or, in the discretion of the State Treasurer, under one or more policies issued to the State Treasurer which provide group life insurance coverage for members of one or more other retirement systems of the State of New Jersey. Whenever such policy or policies of group insurance shall be in effect, the benefits payable thereunder shall be in lieu of the above mentioned death benefits provided by said sections. Any dividend or retrospective rate credit allowed by an insurance company shall be credited in an equitable manner to the special insurance funds from which premiums are paid. L.1973, c. 140, s. 21, eff. May 22, 1973.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-22 Qualifications for life insurance company

Any life insurance company must meet the following requirements in order to qualify under section 21: a. be licensed under the laws of the State of New Jersey to transact life and accidental death insurance; and b. the amount of its group life insurance in the State of New Jersey shall at the time said insurance is to be purchased equal at least 1% of the total amount of such group life insurance in the State of New Jersey in all life insurance companies. L.1973, c. 140, s. 22, eff. May 22, 1973.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-23 Option on purchase of group life insurance coverage for death benefit provisions

The State Treasurer may, in his discretion, determine to purchase group life insurance coverage for the death benefit provisions as provided in sections 17 b., 19 and 20, or may determine not to purchase any group insurance coverage for the death benefit provisions heretofore mentioned. L.1973, c. 140, s. 23, eff. May 22, 1973.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-24 Group life insurance coverage; payment of premiums; group insurance premium fund

In the event the State Treasurer shall determine to purchase group insurance coverage for the death benefits, premiums for the same shall be paid from a special fund, hereby created, called the "Group Insurance Premium Fund." The State Treasurer shall estimate annually the amount which will be required for premiums for such benefits for the ensuing fiscal year. The State shall pay over to the State Treasurer the amount so required who shall deposit it in the Group Insurance Premium Fund. During the period such group insurance policy or policies are in effect the State Treasurer shall in no way commingle moneys in this fund with any pension fund established by this act. L.1973, c. 140, s. 24, eff. May 22, 1973.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-25 Terms of policy

Any such group policy or policies shall include, with respect to any insurance terminating or reducing because an insured person has ceased to be in active service or has retired, the conversion privilege available upon termination of employment as prescribed by the law relating to group life insurance; and shall also include, with respect to insurance terminating because of termination of the group policy resulting from a termination of all death benefits established under sections 17b., 19 and 20, the conversion privilege available upon termination of the group policy as prescribed by such law. Any such group policy or policies shall also provide that if an insured person dies during the 31-day period during which he would be entitled to exercise the conversion privilege, the amount of insurance with respect to which he could have exercised the conversion privilege shall be paid as a claim under the group policy. If any member who has exercised the conversion privilege under the group policy or policies again becomes a member of the retirement system, and the individual policy obtained pursuant to the conversion privilege is still in force, he shall not again be eligible for any of the death benefits provided by sections 17 b., 19 and 20, unless he furnishes satisfactory evidence of insurability. When benefits payable upon the death of a member following retirement are determined as though he were an active member at the time of his death, the death benefit payable under the group policy or policies together with the amount of insurance paid under any individual policy obtained under the conversion privilege, shall in no event exceed the amount of insurance for which the member was insured under the group policy or policies immediately prior to the date the right of conversion arose. L.1973, c. 140, s. 25, eff. May 22, 1973.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-26 Payment of benefits

Benefits under such group policy or policies shall be paid by the insurance company to such person, if living, as the insured person shall have nominated by written designation duly executed and filed with the insurance company through the policyholder, otherwise to the executors or administrators of the insured person's estate. An insured person may file with the insurance company through the policyholder and alter from time to time during his lifetime, as desired, a duly attested written nomination of his payee for the death benefit. L.1973, c. 140, s. 26, eff. May 22, 1973.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-27 Settlement options

Any such group policy or policies shall provide that payment of any death benefits which are payable by the insurance company may be made in one sum directly to the beneficiary as hereinafter provided, in equal installments over a period of years or as a life annuity or in such other manner as may be made available by the insurance company. An insured person may make arrangements for settlement, and may alter from time to time during his lifetime any arrangement previously made, by making written request to the insurance company through the policyholder. Upon the death of an insured person, a beneficiary to whom a benefit is payable in one sum by the insurance company may likewise arrange for a settlement as described above. If an insured person's or beneficiary's request for settlement of any death benefit in equal installments over a period of years or as a life annuity pursuant to the foregoing is approved by the policyholder, the amount of such installment or such life annuity, as the case may be, shall be determined on the basis of such applicable mortality tables as shall have been adopted by the retirement system and are in effect at the death of the insured person. Any arrangement for payment under the group policy to a beneficiary shall be in lieu of that provided by sections 17 b., 19 and 20. L.1973, c. 140, s. 27, eff. May 22, 1973.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-28 Reduction of premiums for non payment of commissions; authorization

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any insurance company or companies issuing such policy or policies may credit the policyholder, in the form of reduced premiums, with savings by said company or companies in the event that no brokerage commission or commissions are paid by said company or companies on the issuance of such policy or policies. L.1973, c. 140, s. 28, eff. May 22, 1973.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-29 State House Commission, operation of system.

29. a. Subject to the provisions of P.L.1955, c.70 (C.52:18A-95 to 52:18A-104), the general responsibility for the proper operation of the retirement system is hereby vested in the State House Commission. b. Except as otherwise herein provided, no member of the State House Commission shall have any direct interest in the gains or profits of any investments of the retirement system, nor shall any member of the State House Commission directly or indirectly, for himself or as an agent in any manner use the moneys of the retirement system, except to make such current and necessary payments as are authorized by the commission; nor shall any member of the State House Commission become an endorser or surety, or in any manner an obligor for moneys loaned to or borrowed from the retirement system. c. For purposes of this act, each member of the State House Commission shall be entitled to one vote and a majority vote of all members shall be necessary for any decision by the commission at any meeting of said commission. d. Subject to the limitations of this act, the State House Commission shall annually establish rules and regulations for the administration of the funds created by this act and for the transaction of its business. Such rules and regulations shall be consistent with those adopted by the other pension funds within the Division of Pensions and Benefits in order to permit the most economical and uniform administration of all such retirement systems. e. The actuary of the system shall be selected by the Retirement Systems Actuary Selection Committee established by P.L.1992, c.125. He shall be the technical adviser of the commission on matters regarding the operation of the funds created by the provisions of this act and shall perform such other duties as are required in connection herewith. f. The Attorney General shall be the legal adviser of the retirement system, except that if the Attorney General determines that a conflict of interest would affect the ability of the Attorney General to represent the commission on a matter affecting the retirement system, the commission may select and employ legal counsel to advise and represent the commission on that matter. g. The Director of the Division of Pensions and Benefits of the State Department of the Treasury shall be the secretary of the commission for purposes pertaining to the provisions of this act. h. For purposes of this act, the State House Commission shall keep a record of all of its proceedings which shall be open to public inspection. The retirement system shall publish annually a report showing the fiscal transactions of the retirement system for the preceding year, the amount of the accumulated cash and securities of the system and the last balance sheet showing the financial condition of the system by means of any actuarial valuation of the assets and liabilities of the retirement system. i. The State Treasurer shall designate a medical board after consultation with the Director of the Division of Pensions and Benefits. It shall be composed of three physicians. The medical board shall pass on all medical examinations required under the provisions of this act, and shall report in writing to the retirement system its conclusions and recommendations upon all matters referred to it. j. When the retirement system has attained the target funded ratio as defined in section 27 of P.L.2011, c.78 (C.43:3C-16), the commission shall have the discretionary authority for the system to (1) modify the: member contribution rate; formula for calculation of final salary; age at which a member may be eligible for and the benefits for service or early retirement; and benefits provided for disability retirement; and (2) activate the application of the "Pension Adjustment Act," P.L.1958, c.143 (C.43:3B-1 et seq.) for retirees for the period that the system is at or above the target funded ratio and modify the basis for the calculation of the adjustment and set the duration and extent of the activation. The commission shall give priority consideration to subparagraph (2) of this paragraph. The commission shall not have the authority to change the years of creditable service required for vesting. The commission may consider a matter described above and render a decision notwithstanding that the provisions of the statutory law may set forth a specific requirement on that matter. The commission may consider a matter described above and render a decision notwithstanding that the provisions of the statutory law do not set forth a specific requirement on the considered aspect of that matter or address that matter at all. No decision of the commission shall be implemented if the direct or indirect result of the decision will be that the system's funded ratio falls below the target funded ratio in any valuation period during the 30 years following the implementation of the decision. The actuary of the system shall make a determination of the result in that regard and submit that determination in a written report to the commission prior to the implementation of the decision. If any matter before the commission receives a majority vote, the commission shall implement the decision. A final action of the commission shall be made by the adoption of a regulation that shall identify the modifications to the system by reference to statutory section. The regulations shall also specify the effective date of the modification and the system members, including beneficiaries and retirees, to whom the modification applies. Regulations of the commission are considered to be part of the plan document for the system. A regulation adopted by the commission may be modified by regulation in order to comply with the requirements of this section. k. No member of the commission, employee of the commission, or employee of the Division of Pensions and Benefits in the Department of the Treasury shall accept from any person, whether directly or indirectly and whether by himself or through his spouse or any member of his family, or through any partner or associate, any gift, favor, service, employment or offer of employment, or any other thing of value, including contributions to the campaign of a member or employee as a candidate for elective public office, which he knows or has reason to believe is offered to him with intent to influence him in the performance of his public duties and responsibilities. As used in this subsection, "person" means an (1) individual or business entity, or officer or employee of such an entity, who is seeking, or who holds, or who held within the prior three years, a contract with the commission; or (2) an active or retired member, or beneficiary, of the retirement system. A member or employee violating this prohibition shall be guilty of a crime of the third degree. L.1973, c.140, s.29; amended 1992, c.41, s.8; 1992, c.125, s.5; 2011, c.78, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-30 Trustee of funds; custodian of funds; administration of program

30.a. The State House Commission shall be and is hereby constituted the trustee of all the various funds established by this act except the group insurance premium fund; provided, however, that all functions, powers, and duties relating to the investment or reinvestment of moneys of, and purchase, sale, or exchange of any investments or securities, of or for any fund established under this act, shall be exercised and performed by the Director of the Division of Investment in accordance with the provisions of P.L.1950, c.270 (C.52:18A-79 et seq.). b. The secretary of the commission shall determine from time to time the cash requirements of the various funds established by this act and the amount available for investment, all of which shall be certified to the Director of the Division of Investment. c. The Treasurer of the State of New Jersey shall be the custodian of the several funds. All payments from said funds shall be made by him only upon vouchers signed by the secretary. A duly attested copy of the resolution of the State House Commission bearing on its face the specimen signature of the secretary shall be filed with the treasurer as his authority for making payments upon such vouchers. d. The administration of the program shall be performed by the personnel of the Division of Pensions of the State Department of the Treasury and the costs of administration shall be borne by the State. L.1973,c.140,s.30.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-31 Actuarial investigation and valuation; adoption of tables for mortality, service, etc.

The actuary shall recommend such data as shall be necessary for actuarial valuation of the various funds created by this act. Once in every 3-year period the actuary shall make an actuarial investigation into the mortality, service and salary experience of the members and beneficiaries and shall make a valuation of the assets and liabilities of the various funds created by this act. Upon the basis of such investigation and valuation, with the advice of the actuary, the commission shall adopt for the retirement system such mortality, service and other tables as shall be deemed necessary. L.1973, c. 140, s. 31, eff. May 22, 1973.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-32 Contingent reserve, annuity savings and retirement reserve funds; establishment

Under this act there shall be established a contingent reserve fund, an annuity savings fund, and a retirement reserve fund. L.1973, c. 140, s. 32, eff. May 22, 1973. Amended by L.1981, c. 470, s. 14, eff. Jan. 19, 1982.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-33 Computation of contributions; valuation of assets; contingent reserve fund.

33. a. Upon the basis of the tables recommended by the actuary which the commission adopts and regular interest, the actuary shall compute annually, beginning as of June 30, 1992, the amount of the contribution which shall be the normal cost as computed under the projected unit credit method attributable to service rendered under the retirement system for the year beginning on July 1 immediately succeeding the date of the computation. This shall be known as the "normal contribution." b. Upon the basis of the tables recommended by the actuary which the commission adopts and regular interest, the actuary shall annually determine if there is an amount of the accrued liability of the retirement system, computed under the projected unit credit method, which is not already covered by the assets of the retirement system, valued in accordance with the asset valuation method established in this section. This shall be known as the "unfunded accrued liability." If there was no unfunded accrued liability for the valuation period immediately preceding the current valuation period, the actuary, using the total amount of this unfunded accrued liability, shall compute the initial amount of contribution which, if paid annually in level dollars for a specific period of time, will amortize this liability. The State Treasurer shall determine, upon the advice of the Director of the Division of Pensions and Benefits, the commission and the actuary, the time period for full funding of this liability, which shall not exceed 30 years. This shall be known as the "accrued liability contribution." Thereafter, any increase or decrease in the unfunded accrued liability as a result of actuarial losses or gains for subsequent valuation years shall serve to increase or decrease, respectively, the amortization period for the unfunded accrued liability, unless an increase in the amortization period will cause it to exceed 30 years. If an increase in the amortization period as a result of actuarial losses for a valuation year would exceed 30 years, the accrued liability contribution shall be computed for the valuation year in the same manner provided for the computation of the initial accrued liability contribution under this section. Beginning with the July 1, 2019 actuarial valuation, the accrued liability contribution shall be computed so that if the contribution is paid annually in level dollars, it will amortize this unfunded accrued liability over a closed 30-year period. Beginning with the July 1, 2029 actuarial valuation, when the remaining amortization period reaches 20 years, any increase or decrease in the unfunded accrued liability as a result of actuarial losses or gains for subsequent valuation years shall serve to increase or decrease, respectively, the amortization period for the unfunded accrued liability, unless an increase in the amortization period will cause it to exceed 20 years. If an increase in the amortization period as a result of actuarial losses for a valuation year would exceed 20 years, the accrued liability contribution shall be computed for the valuation year in the same manner provided for the computation of the initial accrued liability contribution under this section. The State may pay all or any portion of its unfunded accrued liability under the retirement system from any source of funds legally available for the purpose, including, without limitation, the proceeds of bonds authorized by law for this purpose. The value of the assets to be used in the computation of the contributions provided for under this section for valuation periods shall be the value of the assets for the preceding valuation period increased by the regular interest rate, plus the net cash flow for the valuation period (the difference between the benefits and expenses paid by the system and the contributions to the system) increased by one half of the regular interest rate, plus 20% of the difference between this expected value and the full market value of the assets as of the end of the valuation period. This shall be known as the "valuation assets." Notwithstanding the first sentence of this paragraph, the valuation assets for the valuation period ending June 30, 1996 shall be the full market value of the assets as of that date and shall include the proceeds from the bonds issued pursuant to the "Pension Bond Financing Act of 1997," P.L.1997, c.114 (C.34:1B-7.45 et seq.), paid to the system by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority to fund the unfunded accrued liability of the system. "Excess valuation assets" means the valuation assets for a valuation period less the actuarial accrued liability for the valuation period, if the sum is greater than zero. If there are excess valuation assets for the valuation period ending June 30, 1996, the normal contributions for the valuation periods ending June 30, 1996 and June 30, 1997 which have not yet been paid to the retirement system shall be reduced to the extent possible by the excess valuation assets, provided that the General Fund balances that would have been paid to the retirement system except for this provision shall first be allocated as State aid to public schools to the extent that additional sums are required to comply with the May 14, 1997 decision of the New Jersey Supreme Court in Abbott v. Burke. If there are excess valuation assets for a valuation period ending after June 30, 1996, the State Treasurer may reduce the normal contribution payable for the next valuation period as follows: (1) for valuation periods ending June 30, 1997 through June 30, 2001, to the extent possible by up to 100% of the excess valuation assets; (2) for the valuation period ending June 30, 2002, to the extent possible by up to 84% of the excess valuation assets; (3) for the valuation period ending June 30, 2003, to the extent possible by up to 68% of the excess valuation assets; and (4) for valuation periods ending June 30, 2004 through June 30, 2007, to the extent possible by up to 50% of the excess valuation assets. c. The actuary shall certify annually the aggregate amount payable to the contingent reserve fund in the ensuing year, which amount shall be equal to the sum of the amounts described in this section. The State shall pay into the contingent reserve fund during the ensuing year the amount so determined. The cash death benefits, payable as the result of contribution by the State under the provisions of this act upon the death of a member in active service and after retirement, shall be paid from the contingent reserve fund. d. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1992, c.125.) L.1973, c.140, s.33; amended 1992, c.41, s.9; 1992, c.125, s.6; 1994, c.62, ss.5,1; 1997, c.115, s.3; 2007, c.92, s.25; 2011, c.78, s.21.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-33.1 Payment of pension adjustment benefits, funding

10. Pension adjustment benefits for members and beneficiaries of the Judicial Retirement System provided by the "Pension Adjustment Act," P.L.1958, c.143 (C.43:3B-1 et seq.) shall be paid by the retirement system and shall be funded as employer obligations by the same method provided by law for the funding of employer obligations for the retirement benefits provided by the retirement system beginning with valuation year 1993. L.1992,c.41,s.10; amended 1994,c.62,s.6.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-34 Retirement reserve fund; source of funds for payment of pensions

The retirement reserve fund shall be the fund from which all pensions and retirement allowances shall be paid. Upon the retirement of the member his accumulated deductions together with regular interest shall be transferred to the retirement reserve fund from the annuity savings fund. The reserve needed to produce the pension shall be transferred from the contingent reserve fund. If the pension of a member who has been retired is subsequently canceled, the appropriate reserve shall be transferred to the contingent reserve fund. If the retirement allowance of a member who has been retired is subsequently cancelled, the appropriate reserve shall be transferred to the annuity savings fund and the contingent reserve fund. Any surplus or deficit developing in the retirement reserve fund shall be adjusted from time to time by transfer to or from the contingent reserve fund by appropriate action of the retirement system upon the advice of the actuary. L.1973, c. 140, s. 34, eff. May 22, 1973. Amended by L.1981, c. 470, s. 15, eff. Jan. 19, 1982.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-34.1 Annuity savings fund, payroll deductions.

26. a. The annuity savings fund shall be the fund to which shall be credited aggregate contributions made by members or on their behalf to provide for their allowances. The aggregate contributions of a member withdrawn by him or paid to his estate or his designated beneficiary in the event of death as provided by this amendatory and supplementary act shall be paid from the annuity savings fund. Upon the retirement of a member where the aggregate contributions of the member are to be provided in the form of an annuity, the aggregate contributions of the member shall be transferred from the annuity savings fund to the retirement reserve fund. b. There shall be deducted from the payroll of each member of the system 3% of the amount of any difference between the salary on or after January 19, 1982 for any judicial position held by the member and the salary for that position on January 18, 1982, except that there shall be deducted from the payroll of each new member initially enrolled on or after January 1, 1996, in the retirement system, 3% of the salary for the judicial position held by the member. There shall be deducted from the payroll of each member of the system on and after the effective date of P.L.2011, c.78 an additional 9% of the salary for the judicial position held by the member phased-in in equal increments over a period of seven years. Every judge of the several courts to whom this amendatory and supplementary act applies shall be deemed to consent and agree to any deduction from his compensation required by this act and to all other provisions of this act. Notwithstanding any other law, rule or regulation affecting the salary, pay, compensation, other perquisites, or tenure of a person to whom this amendatory and supplementary act applies, or shall apply, and notwithstanding that the minimum salary, pay, or compensation or other perquisites provided by law for him shall be reduced thereby, payment, less such deductions, shall be a full and complete discharge and acquittance of all claims and demands for service rendered by him during the period covered by such payment. L.1981, c.470, s.26; amended 1995, c.424, s.4; 2011, c.78, s.9.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-34.2 State house commission; interest on balance in annuity savings, contingent reserve and retirement reserve funds

The State House Commission at the end of each fiscal year shall allow interest on the balance of the annuity savings fund, contingent reserve fund and the retirement reserve fund as of the beginning of said fiscal year at the regular interest rate applicable thereto to cover the interest creditable to the respective funds for the year. The amount so allowed shall be due and payable to the funds and shall be credited annually thereto by the commission. L.1981, c. 470, s. 27, eff. Jan. 19, 1982.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-34.3 Borrowing by members from retirement system, interest rates.

1. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, any member who has at least three years of service to the member's credit for which the member has contributed as a member may borrow from the retirement system, an amount equal to not more than 50% of the amount of the member's accumulated deductions, but not less than $50.00; provided, that the amount so borrowed, together with interest thereon, can be repaid by additional deductions from compensation, not in excess of 25% of the member's compensation, made at the same time compensation is paid to the member. The amount so borrowed, together with interest on any unpaid balance thereof, shall be repaid to the retirement system in equal installments by deduction from the compensation of the member at the time the compensation is paid or in such lump sum amount to repay the balance of the loan but such installments shall be at least equal to the member's rate of contribution to the retirement system and at least sufficient to repay the amount borrowed with interest thereon. Not more than two loans may be granted to any member in any calendar year. Notwithstanding any other law affecting the salary or compensation of any person or persons to whom this act applies or shall apply, the additional deductions required to repay the loan shall be made. The rate of interest for a loan requested by a member prior to the effective date of P.L.2007, c.92 (C.43:15C-1 et al.) shall be 4% per annum on any unpaid balance thereof. For a loan requested after the effective date of that act, the rate of interest per annum shall be a commercially reasonable rate as required by the Internal Revenue Code to be determined by the State Treasurer on that effective date, and on January 1 of each calendar year thereafter. An administrative fee in an amount set by the State Treasurer for each calendar year may be charged for any loan requested after the effective date of P.L.2007, c.92 (C.43:15C-1 et al.). Loans shall be made to a member from the member's accumulated deductions. The interest earned on such loans shall be treated in the same manner as interest earned from investments of the retirement system. L.1997, c.25, s.1; amended 2007, c.92, s.34.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-34.4 Repayment of loans after retirement of members of JRS.

2. In the case of any member who retires without repaying the full amount so borrowed, the Division of Pensions and Benefits shall deduct from the retirement benefit payments the same monthly amount which was deducted from the compensation of the member immediately preceding retirement until the balance of the amount borrowed together with the interest is repaid. In the case of a pensioner who dies before the outstanding balance of the loan and interest thereon has been recovered, the remaining balance shall be repaid from the proceeds of any other benefits payable on the account of the pensioner either in the form of monthly payments due to the pensioner's beneficiaries or in the form of lump sum payments payable for pension or group life insurance. L.1997, c.25, s.2; amended 1999, c.132, s.4; 2007, c.92, s.35.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-35 Retirement system; interest on balance in contingent reserve, annuity savings and retirement reserve funds

The retirement system at the end of each fiscal year shall allow interest on the balance of the contingent reserve fund, the annuity savings fund, and the retirement reserve fund as of the beginning of said fiscal year at the regular interest rate applicable thereto to cover the interest creditable to the respective funds for the year. The amount so allowed shall be due and payable to said funds and shall be credited annually. L.1973, c. 140, s. 35, eff. May 22, 1973. Amended by L.1981, c. 470, s. 16, eff. Jan. 19, 1982.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-36 Obligations of act as obligations of state; budget and appropriation of amounts to meet obligations

Regular interest charges payable, the creation and maintenance of reserves in the contingent reserve fund, the maintenance of retirement reserves as provided for in this act and the payment of all pensions, retirement allowances, and other benefits granted by the State House Commission under the provisions of this act are hereby made obligations of the State. All income, interest and dividends derived from deposits and investments authorized by this act shall be used for the payment of these obligations of the State. Upon the basis of such actuarial determination and appraisal provided for in this act an itemized estimate of the amounts necessary to be appropriated by the State to the various funds to provide for the payment in full during the ensuing fiscal year of the obligations of the State accruing during that year shall be submitted by the retirement system to the Governor so that it may be included in the budget request submitted by the Governor to the Legislature. The Legislature shall make an appropriation sufficient to provide for such obligations of the State. The amounts so appropriated shall be paid into the contingent reserve fund. L.1973, c. 140, s. 36, eff. May 22, 1973. Amended by L.1981, c. 470, s. 17, eff. Jan. 19, 1982.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-37 Inapplicability of other laws on pensions or retirement benefits to members or beneficiaries; nonliability of system it reserves nonexistent

a. No other provisions of the law in any other statute which provides wholly or partly at the expense of the State of New Jersey or any political subdivision thereof for pensions or retirement benefits for members of this system and for beneficiaries shall apply to such members or beneficiaries. b. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the retirement system shall not be liable for the payment of any pensions, retirement allowances or other benefits to any member or beneficiary for which reserves have not been previously created from funds contributed by the members or the State for such benefits. L.1973, c. 140, s. 37, eff. May 22, 1973. Amended by L.1981, c. 470, s. 18, eff. Jan. 19, 1982.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-38 Error in records; correction

Should any change or error in the records of this retirement system result in any member or person receiving from the retirement system more or less than he would have been entitled to receive had the records been correct, the retirement system shall, as far as practicable, correct such error and adjust the payments in such manner that the actuarial equivalent of the benefit to which the member or beneficiary was correctly entitled shall be paid. L.1973, c. 140, s. 38, eff. May 22, 1973.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-39 Waiver of payment of portion of payment of pension, retirement allowance or benefit

Any member or any beneficiary who has been or, in the future, may be retired, or receive a pension, retirement allowance or benefit pursuant to the provisions of this act, may, by filing written request with the retirement system, waive payment of a portion of the pension, retirement allowance or benefit to which he may be entitled. Upon the receipt of such waiver, and until the same is withdrawn, altered or revoked by a subsequent written request, similarly filed, the retirement system shall pay a reduced pension, retirement allowance or benefit, as shall be requested in such waiver. The member or the beneficiary shall not be entitled to a refund, or credit, for such moneys as shall have been waived during the period such waiver had been in effect. L.1973, c. 140, s. 39, eff. May 22, 1973. Amended by L.1981, c. 470, s. 19, eff. Jan. 19, 1982.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-40 Deductions to pay premiums; authorization by written request

If possible, whenever any retirant or beneficiary shall, in writing, request the Division of Pensions to make deductions from his pension or retirement allowance for the purpose of paying premiums for the pensioner's group health insurance plan or the State Health Benefits program, the division may make such deductions and transmit the sums so deducted to the companies carrying the policies. Any such written authorization may be withdrawn by any retirant or beneficiary upon filing notice of such withdrawal with the division. L.1973, c. 140, s. 40, eff. May 22, 1973. Amended by L.1981, c. 470, s. 20, eff. Jan. 19, 1982.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-41 Right to pension, retirement allowance or benefit and moneys in various funds; exemption from taxes and legal process; unassignability

The right of a person to a pension, retirement allowance or any benefit or right accrued or accruing to a person under the provisions of this act and the moneys in the various funds created under this act, shall be exempt from any State or municipal tax and from levy and sale, garnishment, attachment or any other process arising out of any State or federal court, and, except as hereinafter in this section and as in this act otherwise provided, shall be unassignable. Nothing in this section shall prohibit any person insured under a group insurance policy, pursuant to an arrangement among the insured, the group policyholder and the insurer, from making to any person other than his employer, a gift assignment of the rights and benefits conferred on him by any provision of such policy or by law including specifically but not by way of limitation the right to exercise the conversion privilege and the right to name a beneficiary. Any such assignment, whether made before or after the effective date of this act, shall entitle the insurer to deal with the assignee as the owner of all rights and benefits conferred on the insured under the policy in accordance with the terms of the assignment. L.1973, c. 140, s. 41, eff. May 22, 1973. Amended by L.1981, c. 470, s. 21, eff. Jan. 19, 1982.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-42 Designation of beneficiary; writing; filing; change; rights of beneficiaries; election of payment of death benefits

The designation of beneficiary by a member or retirant shall be made in writing on a form satisfactory to the retirement system, and filed with the retirement system. The member or retirant may, from time to time and without the consent of his death benefit designee, change the beneficiary by filing written notice of the change with the system on a form satisfactory to it. The new nomination will be effective on the date the notice, in proper form, is received by the system, and any prior nomination shall thereupon become void. If more than one beneficiary is nominated and in such nomination the member or retirant has failed to specify their respective interests, the beneficiaries shall share equally. If any beneficiary predeceases the member or retirant, the interest of such beneficiary shall terminate and shall be shared equally by such of the beneficiaries as survive the member or retirant, unless the member or retirant has made written request to the contrary in his beneficiary nomination. Any amounts due for which there is no beneficiary at the death of a member, retirant or beneficiary shall be payable to the estate of such member, retirant or beneficiary. Except with regard to the payment of one-fourth of final salary upon the death of a retirant as provided in sections 19 and 20, a member may elect, by making written request to the retirement system, that the whole or any part of his death benefits be made payable to his beneficiary either as a life annuity or in equal installments over a period of years specified in such election, and may alter such election from time to time during his lifetime by again making such written request. In the event of a change of beneficiary, any previous arrangement by the member or retirant under this paragraph shall be void. The election set forth in this paragraph shall not apply or be available when the beneficiary is an estate, or corporation, partnership, association, institution, trustee, or any fiduciary. If, at the member's or retirant's death, an amount of death benefit would be payable to the beneficiary in a single sum, any election with regard to such amount which was available to the member of retirant immediately prior to his death in accordance with the provisions of the immediately preceding paragraph shall then be available to such beneficiary for the benefit of such beneficiary. L.1973, c. 140, s. 42, eff. May 22, 1973.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-43 Active membership while on official leave of absence; qualifications for payment of death benefit

For the purposes of section 17b. a member shall be deemed to be an active member for a period of no more than 93 days while on official leave of absence without pay when such leave is due to any reason other than illness, or for a period of no more than 2 years while on an official leave of absence without pay if satisfactory evidence is presented to the retirement system that such leave of absence without pay is due to the member's personal illness. If a member dies within 30 days after the date of retirement or the date of commission approval, whichever is later, a death benefit shall be payable only if he is deemed to be an active member in accordance with this section; provided, however, a member applying for disability benefits shall be deemed an active member if he was covered by the death benefit provisions of the act at the termination of employment, filed the application for disability retirement with the retirement system within 30 days following such termination of employment and dies within 30 days after the date of retirement or the date of commission approval, whichever is later. L.1973, c. 140, s. 43, eff. May 22, 1973.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-44 Ineligibility for death benefits for retirant with less than 10 years of service credit; minimum amount of benefit to qualify

Any other provision of this act notwithstanding, (a) no beneficiary of a retirant who retired for any reason other than disability shall be entitled to receive benefits pursuant to the death benefit coverages provided by sections 19 and 20 of this act if the retirant had less than 10 years of service credit for retirement purposes at the time of retirement; and (b) no member or beneficiary shall be entitled to receive a monthly pension, retirement allowance or other benefit payable pursuant to this act unless the amount of the pension, retirement allowance or benefit would be at least $25.00 per month. L.1973, c. 140, s. 44, eff. May 22, 1973. Amended by L.1981, c. 470, s. 22, eff. Jan. 19, 1982.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-45 Repeals

The following acts and parts of acts, and all amendments thereof, are repealed: a. P.L.1948, c. 391 (C. 43:6-6.4 to 43:6-6.10) b. P.L.1949, c. 178 (C. 43:9-25 to 43:9-27) c. P.L.1949, c. 181 (C. 43:9-24) d. P.L.1955, c. 10 (C. 43:9-27.1) e. Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of P.L.1957, c. 206 (C. 43:15A-121 to 43:15A-126) f. P.L.1961, c. 42 (C. 43:9-27.2) g. Sections 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 of P.L.1963, c. 36 (C. 2A:3-21.2 to 2A:3-21.8) h. P.L.1963, c. 78 (C. 43:6-6.12) i. P.L.1963, c. 183 (C. 43:6-6.13 to 43:6-6.17) j. P.L.1964, c. 135 (C. 43:6-6.18 to 43:6-6.22) k. P.L.1964, c. 149 (C. 43:6-6.23 to 43:6-6.26) l . P.L.1964, c. 250 (C. 43:6-6.27 to 43:6-6.29) m. P.L.1965, c. 147 (C. 2A:3-21.7a) n. P.L.1967, c. 133 (C. 43:6-6.37, 43:6-6.38) o . P.L.1967, c. 290 (C. 2A:3-21.9) p. P.L.1968, c. 15 (C. 2A:3-21.10) q. P.L.1968, c. 232 (C. 43:6-6.39 to 43:6-6.41) r. P.L.1969, c. 210 (C. 2A:3-21.11 to 2A:3-21.13). L.1973, c. 140, s. 45, eff. May 22, 1973.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-46 Provisos to repeals

The repeal of the foregoing laws is subject to the following provisos: a. Any person retired under any of the provisions of said acts and receiving or entitled to receive benefits thereunder, prior to their repeal, shall continue to receive the same benefits or shall continue to be entitled to receive the same benefits and to the same extent, as if such acts had not been repealed. b. Any beneficiary receiving an allowance or eligible to receive an allowance under such acts shall continue to receive or be eligible to receive such allowance as provided under such acts. c. Any person electing to have deductions for health insurance subtracted from his pension shall continue to have such deductions subtracted as if such acts had not been repealed. d. Any person who, as of the effective date of this act, meets the requirements for retirement under such acts, may make such application within 30 days after such effective date and be retired on or before the effective date of this act, as if such acts had not been repealed. He shall thereafter receive benefits to the same extent as if such acts had not been repealed. e. If any person covered under such acts dies prior to their repeal, but before retirement, his eligible beneficiaries shall receive the benefits provided by such acts to the same extent as if such acts had not been repealed. f. All benefits payable pursuant to this section, shall, following the effective date of this act, be paid in equal monthly installments. No pension shall be due to a retirant or a beneficiary unless it constitutes a payment for an entire month. g. As of the effective date of this act, all contributions made by any judge pursuant to section 8, P.L.1965, c. 74 (C. 43:6-6.4) shall be returned to him. L.1973, c. 140, s. 46, eff. May 22, 1973.

N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-47 Provisos applicable to L.1981, c. 470

This amendatory and supplementary act is subject to the following provisos: a. Any person who has retired on or before the effective date of this amendatory and supplementary act and is receiving or is entitled to receive a pension and benefits from the retirement system, shall continue to receive the same pension and benefits or shall continue to be entitled to receive the same pension and benefits. b. Any beneficiary who is receiving a survivor's benefit or is eligible to receive a survivor's benefit as provided by the retirement system on or before the effective date of this amendatory and supplementary act, shall continue to receive or be eligible to receive the survivor's benefit. c. No person who is a member of the retirement system on the effective date of this amendatory and supplementary act shall be required to make contributions for service for which he has received credit as a judge in any of the several courts or in office, position or employment of this State or of a county, municipality, board of education or public agency of this State; provided, however, that the person shall make contributions as may be required pursuant to section 26b. of this amendatory and supplementary act. L.1981, c. 470, s. 28, eff. Jan. 19, 1982.

Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislative-activity/statutesFetched: 10/17/2026