BILL FORCING STATE WORKERS TO LIVE IN STATE PASSES COMMITTEE

Legislation requiring all future public employees to live in New Jersey was approved by the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee. The “New Jersey First Act” would require all newly hired public employees to live in New Jersey or to move to the state within one year of taking a position. Current employees would be exempt from the residency requirement, as long as they remained in their existing place of employment. The legislation would cover all state, county and municipal employees as well as anyone working for political subdivisions of the state. Employees of public authorities, boards, agencies and commissions would also be subject to the measure. Additionally, the bill would cover all employees working within the educational system, including state colleges and universities. It now heads to the full Senate for consideration.