A 2989 New Jersey General Assembly · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Allows PFRS death benefits to be paid to supplemental needs trust for unmarried disabled child.

This bill amends New Jersey's Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS) to allow death benefits to be paid directly to a **supplemental needs trust** (also called a special needs trust) for an **unmarried disabled child** of a deceased member. It specifically applies to children of any age who are disabled (intellectually or physically) and unable to work due to a condition lasting at least 12 months, as confirmed by the medical board. The change expands the current beneficiary options, which previously only allowed payments directly to the child or to a trust established for the child's benefit. This policy update ensures benefits can be managed through a trust designed to support the child's long-term needs without jeopardizing eligibility for other public assistance programs.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action Jan 13, 2026
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Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Erik Peterson
Erik Peterson
RRepublican
NJ
23