61. For the purposes of section 3 of P.L.1977, c.85 (C. 34:13A-16), when deciding the award in a dispute involving public fire or police departments of the qualified municipality during the rehabilitation term, the arbitrator or panel of arbitrators shall, when considering the interests and welfare of the public and the lawful authority of the employer, include in those assessments the fact that the municipality is under rehabilitation pursuant to P.L.2002, c.43 (C. 52:27BBB-1 et al.).

L.2002,c.43,s.61.