After extensive advocacy efforts by New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) members, two significant pieces of legislation have been forwarded to Governor Phil Murphy for approval. On June 30, during the final day of the legislative session, the New Jersey General Assembly voted on and passed these bills, marking a notable achievement for public schools.
Bill A5077 received overwhelming support in the Assembly with a 72-2 vote and has already been enacted into law. This legislation maintains the suspension of student growth objectives (SGOs) as the New Jersey Department of Education develops a pilot program aimed at finding more effective alternatives.
Additionally, Bill A1675, referred to as the Break in Service bill, was passed with a 69-9 vote. Once signed into law, this bill will permit members of the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF) who had extended breaks in service to re-enter the pension system at their original tier. This is particularly relevant for individuals who took over two years off for reasons such as child-rearing or education and found themselves shifted from Tier I to Tier V upon returning to work. The bill is currently awaiting Governor Murphy's signature.
