Establishes eligibility for enrollment in PERS and subsequent retirement benefits for certain county fire instructors under certain conditions.

This bill (S 871, now P.L.2024, c.97) grants retirement eligibility to certain county fire instructors in New Jersey. It allows eligible individuals - those who were enrolled in the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) before November 1, 2008, employed by a county on the bill’s effective date, maintained continuous membership, earned over $1,500 annually, and held permanent career status - to receive service credit for their tenure and qualify for retirement benefits. It also reinstates membership for those whose PERS coverage was terminated within five years prior to the bill’s effective date, provided they repay any returned contributions. The law takes effect immediately, directly impacting qualifying county fire instructors who previously lacked full retirement eligibility under PERS.