SENATE STATE MANAGEMENT, INVESTMENT AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 631

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: MAY 9, 1996

      The Senate State Management, Investment and Financial Institutions Committee reports favorably Senate, No. 631.

      This bill provides that a former member of the United States Coast Guard who has been awarded the Medal of Honor or the Navy Cross while a resident of this State shall be appointed or promoted to a career service position without complying with the rules of the Merit System Board. The appointing authority to whom the individual applies for appointment or promotion shall, at its discretion, appoint or promote that person. Upon promotion or appointment, that person shall become subject to the rules of the board. A person who qualifies under this act shall not be limited to only one appointment or promotion.

      At present, this privilege is granted to any individual who has served in the Army, Air Force, Navy, or Marine Corps of the United States and who has been awarded the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, Air Force Cross or Navy Cross while a resident of this State.

      The bill also updates the existing reference to the "Congressional Medal of Honor," which is now called the "Medal of Honor."