The “New Jersey First Act,” effective September 1, 2011, contains new residency requirement for public officers and employees. Current, new or prospective public employees should be aware that, under the “New Jersey First Act,” N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L. 2011, Chapter 70), all employees of state and local government must reside in the State of New Jersey, unless exempted under the law. Effective September 1, 2011, if you already work for state or local government as of September 1, 2011, and you do not live in New Jersey, you are not required to move to New Jersey. However, if you begin your office, position or employment on September 1, 2011, or later, you must live in New Jersey. If you do not live in New Jersey, you have one year after the date you start your job to relocate your residence to New Jersey. If you do not do so, you may be removed from your offie, position or employment.