NJ A4543

Police officers in Paterson and Newark who were promoted following the February 23, 2019 police sergeant exam would have their conditional promotions converted to regular, permanent appointments without requiring a new examination.

The February 2019 exam results were contested after the Civil Service Commission excluded 10 questions from scoring due to disproportionate impact on Black and Hispanic candidates, pursuant to a U.S. Department of Justice consent decree.

An August 22, 2025 Appellate Division ruling invalidated the 2019 test results, and a November 10, 2025 Civil Service Commission order deemed promotions in Newark and Paterson conditional, potentially affecting over 100 officers who may face demotion.

The bill overrides the court and commission decisions, requiring personnel records to be adjusted to reflect original appointment dates for affected officers.

Legislative findings cite concerns that mass demotions would harm morale, disrupt chain of command, and pose public safety risks in two of New Jersey's largest cities.