More than four thousand bills have been introduced in the State Legislature since the start of the new term in January, 2010. Many of these proposals, if enacted, could have a direct impact on AFSCME Council 73 members and their families. Here are some of the priority bills that AFSCME Council 73 is following closely. Provided are the relevant bill numbers, sponsors, brief description, Committee assignment, and AFSCME Council 73’s position on the legislation.

A-557 (Handlin)
Increases disciplinary penalties for sick leave violations. Assigned to State Government Committee. (OPPOSE)

A-662/S-1255 (Greenstein/Madden/Van Drew)
Non-Imposition: prevents public employers from unilaterally imposing a contract. Assigned to Labor Committees.   (SUPPORT)

A-664  (Greenstein/Scalera)
Guarantees Health benefits for eligible employees after 25 years of service. Assigned to State Government Committee. (SUPPORT)`

A-672/S-1117  (Greenstein/Spencer/Van Drew)
Scope of Bargaining: Increases and expands the issues that public employee union can negotiate. Assigned to Labor Committees. (SUPPORT)

A-1612, A-1613, A-1805 (O’Scalan/Casagrande)
The bills attack public employee benefits related to sick leave upon retirement (reduce to $10,000), accumulation of sick leave (must use within one year), and reduces state holidays from 13 to 10.  (OPPOSE)

A-2037  (Moriarity)
Cancels administrative leave and reduces sick leave carryover to one year>
Assigned to State Government Committee.  (OPPOSE)

A-2048/S-318  (DeAngelo/Codey/Sweeney)
Prohibits the use of public funds to block union activities. Assigned to Labor Committees. (SUPPORT)

A-2250 (DeAngelo)
Expands PERC’s authority to hear Unfair Labor Practices. Assigned to Assembly Labor Committee. (SUPPORT)

S-1730/A-2478 (Norcross/ O’Toole, Moriarity/Riley/Burzichelli))
Residency Requirement: All new state employees must live in NJ and current employees must relocate to NJ in 2 ½ years. Assigned to State Government Committees. (OPPOSE)