Governor Murphy Signs A-1675 into Law
Earlier this week, Governor Phil Murphy signed A-1675 into law, (P.L.2025, c.147) marking a significant step forward in strengthening retirement security and improving working conditions for New Jersey’s educators. The new law extends the period of time educators may remain in the Teachers’ Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF) after a break in service, ensuring fairer treatment for those who return to the classroom after time away.
Under the new law, educators will now retain their TPAF membership for up to 10 years after discontinuance of service, and for up to 15 years if they were laid off or had at least 10 years of continuous service before voluntarily stepping away. Importantly, those who return to teaching within these windows will reenter the system at the pension tier they held when they left.
For far too long, educators who took breaks in service, whether due to layoffs, family obligations, district consolidations, or other qualifying reasons, faced a serious inequity. Upon returning to the profession, they were placed into new, less generous pension tiers despite having originally earned higher-level benefits. This created a particular hardship for female educators, many of whom stepped away from teaching to raise children.
The New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association (NJPSA) advocated zealously for this reform. Historically, one issue that has defined the working conditions of educators is the opportunity to earn a secure pension. A-1675 is a positive step in ensuring that those who return to education are not penalized for their time away.
The signing of A-1675 comes at a critical time. New Jersey schools are facing persistent educator shortages, and are searching for meaningful solutions to recruit and retain qualified professionals. By recognizing prior service and protecting access to the pension tiers educators had rightfully earned, this new law helps remove barriers that might otherwise discourage experienced teachers and administrators from returning to the field.
This new law, effective immediately, represents an important step toward restoring fairness in the pension system and making education a more attractive, sustainable career for future generations. NJPSA applauds the sponsors of A-1675, and thanks Governor Murphy for signing it into law.
For questions about this, or any other New Jersey legislation, please contact your NJPSA Government Relations team.