SENATE MILITARY AND VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 1865

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 26, 2020

      The Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 1865.

      Under current law, a public employer provides a paid leave of absence for federal active duty to public employees who are members of the Reserves of the United States military, including the National Guard of other states.  Current law requires the employer to provide paid leave for 30 work days per year.  Leave after 30 work days is provided without pay.

      This bill entitles a public employee who is a member of the Reserves of the United States military, including the National Guard of other states, to 90 work days of paid leave for federal active duty.  Leave after 90 work days will be provided without pay.

      This change will match the benefit currently given to an officer or employee of a State agency, county, school district, or municipality who is a member of the National Guard or other component of the organized militia of New Jersey, which is 90 work days per year.

      The bill also provides that any costs incurred as a result of the provisions of the bill will be reimbursed by the State upon application for reimbursement by a local employer to the State Treasurer and approval of the application by the Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting.