Legislation moving through Trenton would allow a retired State Police officer to serve as superintendent without re-enrolling in the pension system, a change opponents say benefits Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s recently appointed chief.
TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey Democrats are advancing legislation that would change eligibility rules for the Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, a move critics argue was crafted to accommodate Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s handpicked leader of the agency.
Assembly Bill 5034 cleared the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee Thursday and would permit a retired member of the State Police Retirement System to serve as superintendent without re-enrolling in the pension system.
The legislation comes after Sherrill appointed Jeanne Hengemuhle, a retired lieutenant colonel and 26-year veteran of the New Jersey State Police, to lead the agency.
Key Points
• Bill allows retired State Police members to serve as superintendent without pension re-enrollment
• Gov. Mikie Sherrill recently appointed retired Lt. Col. Jeanne Hengemuhle to lead the State Police
• Critics argue the legislation was designed to address issues created by the appointment
Under current law, questions have been raised regarding whether a retired member can serve as superintendent while continuing to receive retirement benefits.
The legislation would explicitly allow a State Police retirant who retired in good standing to serve as superintendent and hold the rank of colonel regardless of age or retirement status.
Change follows appointment
The timing of the legislation has drawn scrutiny because it closely follows Sherrill’s appointment of Hengemuhle.
Hengemuhle retired from the State Police in 2024 after a career that included serving as academy commandant, public information officer, and branch commander. She later returned to public service after being selected by Sherrill to lead the department.
Supporters argue the bill simply modernizes state law and ensures qualified leaders are not barred from serving because they previously retired.
Critics see a custom-made fix
Opponents, however, view the proposal differently.
Critics argue lawmakers are changing long-standing rules after the fact to accommodate a specific appointee rather than selecting a candidate who already met existing requirements.
The measure also formally establishes that the superintendent will hold the rank of colonel and possess all powers and privileges granted to sworn State Police members.
Fiscal impact expected to be minimal
According to the Office of Legislative Services, the bill could reduce state pension costs because the superintendent would not earn additional pension credits while serving in the position.
The legislation now moves forward as lawmakers continue considering a series of personnel and governance measures before the end of the legislative session.
While supporters describe the bill as a practical administrative fix, opponents have seized on it as another example of Trenton altering established rules to fit the needs of politically connected appointments rather than requiring appointees to meet existing standards.