NJ S4708

Allows non-contiguous municipalities within the same county to consolidate if located within a reasonable distance, removing the current requirement that consolidating municipalities must share borders

Requires voter referendum approval in each participating municipality for all consolidations, eliminating the option for governing bodies alone to approve consolidation plans

Expands the definition of "sparsely populated municipality" eligible for simplified consolidation from under 500 residents to under 1,000 residents

Permits consolidating municipalities to create special taxing districts to apportion existing or new debt, establish districts with unique ordinances and planning mechanisms, and enter financial agreements to adjust benefits or provide indemnification

Provides employment protections for law enforcement officers and firefighters during consolidation, including preservation of seniority, tenure, and pension rights, and requires terminal leave payments for employees terminated due to economy or efficiency when Civil Service applies