Restricts use of accumulated sick leave by public employees in year prior to retirement.

This bill prohibits public employees in New Jersey from using six or more consecutive days of accumulated sick leave in the 12 months before retirement unless a physician verifies a medical necessity. It applies to state employees, local government workers, and school board staff, requiring employers to establish rules for verifying medical needs - including potentially requiring a doctor’s exam chosen by the employer. Violations could result in fines (three times the daily pay per day used) or, for a second offense, the loss of improperly used sick leave from retirement compensation calculations. The bill does not override existing collective bargaining agreements or employment contracts that already address sick leave at retirement.