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NJ S2701
Bill
Status
1/13/2026
Primary Sponsor
Britnee Timberlake
Click for details
AI Summary
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Allows a "companion" (cohabiting partner of at least two years) to receive the 70% accidental death pension from the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS) when there is no surviving spouse
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Requires the pension base compensation to be adjusted annually by the same percentage increases given to active members until the deceased member would have reached 25 years of service
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Sets a minimum accidental death pension of $50,000 annually for surviving spouses, companions, or children
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Applies retroactively to deaths occurring on or after January 1, 2023, with companions of previously deceased members having six months after the effective date to file for benefits
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Defines "companion" as someone who cohabited for at least two years, contributed to household expenses, and was publicly recognized as equivalent to a spouse, verified by notarized statements
Legislative Description
Permits companion to receive PFRS accidental death pension when there is no surviving spouse; requires adjustment of final compensation for calculation of accidental death benefit for surviving spouse, companion, and children of PFRS members.
State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee
1/13/2026