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Pou Bill to Ease Employment Requirements for Military Members Who Take Civil Service Test Advances

Senator Pou

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Nellie Pou to extend the qualifying age for an individual who applies for certain civil service positions but isn’t immediately available to take the job because of active military duty, cleared the Assembly today.

Under current law, if a person has passed a civil service examination for the position of police officer or firefighter, but cannot accept the position because of active duty in the National Guard or the Reserves, then that person is allowed to be put on a subsequent eligibility list under certain conditions. However, in that period of time, if the person reaches the age limit for the position, in most cases 35 years old, they would lose their eligibility.

S-1856 would allow any military member who has passed a civil service examination for the position of police officer or firefighter, but who could not accept the position because of active duty in the National Guard or the Reserves, to have their name placed on a subsequent eligible list, designated by the person, for the same type of position, even though that person no longer meets the age requirement. The qualifying age would be extended.

“This legislation will provide opportunities to service men and women who are qualified for law enforcement and firefighter positions and who want to serve their communities,” said Senator Pou (D-Bergen and Passaic). “We need to offer these brave men and women the chance to pursue their dreams as a police officer or firefighter. A person should not lose eligibility because they are overseas fighting and they turn 35.”

The bill cleared the Assembly 73-0 and cleared the full Senate 40-0 last May. It will now head to the Governor’s desk.

 

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