34:15-49.1. Judges of compensation; appointment of referees with service over 10 years; compensation.

Notwithstanding the provisions of R.S. 34:15-49 to the contrary, referees of formal hearings in the Division of Workers' Compensation who have been so employed for a period of 10 years or more and who have been attorneys at law of this State for a period of 10 years of more, are hereby designated judges of compensation and shall commence service as judges of compensation upon the effective date of this act at the first step in salary range 39 of the appropriate compensation plan adopted by the Civil Service Commission in accordance with chapter 8 of Title 11 of the Revised Statutes.