Current Legislation - April 28, 2011

Pension/Benefit Fraud:  S-1392 (Weinberg, Oroho, McHose, Vainieri Huttle, Chiusano)  This bill provides that the boards of trustees of the TPAF, the PERS, the PFRS, and the SPRS, and the State House Commission in the case of the Judicial Retirement System, will require a certifying officer to complete training on eligibility for enrollment in the pension fund or retirement system in accordance with the provisions of the rules or regulations and laws governing those funds or systems. “Certifying officer” is defined in the bill to mean an officer or employee of the State or an employer other than State who is responsible for submitting to a pension fund or retirement system information, and for performing the duties relating to matters concerning the pension fund or retirement system with respect to each of the employees of the employer, as required of the employer by law, the board of trustees or commission, and the Division of Pensions and Benefits.  The bill was signed into law by the governor on April 27, 2011, P.L. 2011, c.52.  NJEA supported this legislation.

Medically Recommended Service Dogs: S-1797 (Norcross)  On April 28, the Senate approved, by a vote of 34-0, S-1797, which would allow a student classified for special education programs and services for autism or other developmental disability to bring a medically-recommended service dog to school. Under the bill, the parent or guardian of a student who seeks authorization for a service dog is required to provide the school district with: (1) a written medical recommendation; and (2) certification of appropriate training of the service dog.  The bill now goes to the Assembly where it will likely be referred to the Assembly Education Committee.  NJEA supports the bill.