Mercer Times

Acting Governor Nicholas Scutari has enacted a new bill, S2470/A3930, which amends laws related to retirement and salaries for county prosecutors and judges in New Jersey. This legislation allows county prosecutors to gain service credit in the Prosecutors Part of the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) for prior work as judicial law clerks in State Court, provided they purchase this credit after their appointment.

The bill also introduces salary increases for certain judicial officials. Presiding Judges of the Superior Court, Appellate Division, will now receive an annual salary of $218,545.82, which is $3,000 more than other Appellate Division judges. County prosecutors' salaries are set to rise to $204,166.50. These adjustments are retroactive from January 1, 2024, with provisions for inflation-related changes over the next two years.

Moreover, the bill lifts restrictions that previously prevented retired members of the Judicial Retirement System (JRS) from collecting pensions while practicing law if serving as a county prosecutor appointed by the Governor with Senate approval.

"Our judges and county prosecutors work extremely hard every day to ensure justice is served at the highest level and quality here in New Jersey," stated Acting Governor Scutari. "The enactment of this bill allows us to maintain competitive salaries and retirement compensation for these officials."

The primary sponsors of this legislative measure include Senator Brian Stack and Assemblywoman Annette Quijano. Additional sponsors are Senator Paul Sarlo, Assemblyman William Sampson, and Assemblyman Gabriel Rodriguez.

Senator Brian Stack remarked on the importance of allowing county prosecutors to buy service credits: "Allowing county prosecutors to purchase credit in PERS for their prior service as judicial law clerks will help New Jersey’s legal system attract and retain top talent who have valuable experience working in a state court."

"This will help attract and retain qualified professionals to serve as prosecutors and judges," added Senator Paul Sarlo. "The state’s law enforcement community and judiciary will benefit from their skills and experience."

Assemblywoman Annette Quijano emphasized the value of enabling retired judges to return as county prosecutors: "Allowing retired judges to return to public service as county prosecutors will enable us to leverage decades of invaluable experience."

Assemblyman William B. Sampson highlighted the recognition given through this legislation: "This legislation creates an opportunity for county prosecutors to receive credit in the Public Employees Retirement System for their prior service as judicial law clerks in state courts."

Assemblyman Gabriel Rodriguez concluded with praise for New Jersey's judicial system: "New Jersey's judicial system is held in high regard and the signing of this legislation will further strengthen its standing."