NJ S285

Part-time elected officials at the county and municipal level will no longer be eligible for employer-paid health care benefits unless they work 35 or more hours per week, though officials currently receiving benefits may continue coverage if they remain eligible.

Elected public officials will be prohibited from receiving cash payments for waiving health care coverage, a benefit currently available to other public employees at up to 25% or $5,000 of the savings.

The Pension Fraud and Abuse Unit, originally established by executive order in 2013 within the Department of the Treasury, will be codified into law with expanded authority to investigate fraud in State pension and benefits systems.

The Pension Fraud and Abuse Unit will be granted subpoena power to compel witness testimony and production of documents during fraud investigations, with courts authorized to enforce compliance.

All State departments, agencies, and political subdivisions must cooperate with the Pension Fraud and Abuse Unit and provide information upon request.