New JerseySuicides of serving state police members could qualify for higher death benefits
The proposal would count suicides of serving State Police Retirement System members as accidents in the line of duty, letting eligible survivors seek higher death benefits.
What it does
Eligible survivors of State Police Retirement System members who die by suicide while still serving could seek the higher death benefits paid for deaths in the line of duty.
Argument forEligible spouses and children could receive more financial support when a serving member dies by suicide.
Argument againstPaying higher death benefits after these suicides could increase what the retirement system and state pay for eligible survivors.
More detail
The retirement system would treat a serving member’s suicide as an accident in the line of duty. This applies to State Police Retirement System members who die by suicide while still serving and to survivors who qualify for death benefits. The suicide itself could not count as the member’s willful negligence, meaning a serious disregard for safety. A report of the accident must be filed with the Division of State Police within 60 days after the accident, unless the retirement board allows more time. An application for benefits must be filed with the retirement system within five years of the death. If enacted, this change would take effect immediately.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Oct 15Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation CommitteeIntroduced
Public SafetyMental Health