1. a. Notwithstanding any provision of P.L.1961, c.49 (C. 52:14-17.25 et seq.) or any other law to the contrary, an affiliate of a majority representative of State employees for collective negotiation purposes, as recognized by the Public Employment Relations Commission established pursuant to P.L.1941, c.100 (C. 34:13A-1 et seq.), which affiliate represents State employees, may participate in the State Health Benefits Program pursuant to P.L.1961, c.49 (C. 52:14-17.25 et seq.). All provisions of P.L.1961, c.49 (C. 52:14-17.25 et seq.) shall be construed as to such participating employers and their elected officers and full-time employees, and their dependents, in the same manner as for participating local government employers, their employees and the dependents of such employees.

As used in this section, the phrase “an affiliate of a majority representative of State employees” means a local union affiliate that has some employees who are engaged in the day-to-day representation of State employees, and shall not mean a local union affiliate’s parent or international union.

b. The Division of Pensions and Benefits shall certify to each such affiliate of a majority representative electing participation under the program the premium rates and periodic charges as determined for local government employees applicable to the coverage provided to the affiliate’s elected officers and full-time employees and their dependents. The participating affiliate shall remit to the division the premiums and periodic charges in advance of their due dates, subject to the rules and regulations of the State Health Benefits Commission.

c. The State Health Benefits Commission shall adopt rules and regulations within 90 days of the effective date of this act, P.L.2005, c.135 (C. 52:14-17.36a et seq.), to implement this section and such rules and regulations shall permit an affiliate of a majority representative electing participation under the program to begin participation on or after the 120th day following the effective date of this act.

L.2005,c.135,s.1.