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NJ S4007

Bill

Status

Introduced

3/19/2026

Primary Sponsor

Benjie Wimberly

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026-2027 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Converts conditional promotions to permanent regular appointments for over 100 Paterson and Newark police officers promoted following the February 23, 2019 sergeant exam, eliminating the requirement to retake the examination.

  • Responds to an August 22, 2025 Appellate Division ruling that invalidated the 2019 exam results and a November 10, 2025 Civil Service Commission order deeming those promotions conditional.

  • The 2019 exam controversy arose when the Civil Service Commission excluded the last 10 questions from scoring after analysis showed they disproportionately affected Black and Hispanic candidates, consistent with a U.S. Department of Justice consent decree.

  • Requires appointing authorities to adjust personnel records to reflect original appointment dates, with appointments becoming permanent after successful completion of any working test period.

  • Justified by the Legislature as preventing disruption to chain of command, morale, internal operations, and public safety in two of New Jersey's largest cities.

Legislative Description

Permits Paterson and Newark police who were promoted following February 2019 police sergeant exam to have those promotions deemed regular appointments.

Law and Public Safety

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee

3/19/2026

Committee Referrals

Law and Public Safety3/19/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available