Bill > S2373

This bill provides employment protections for paid first responders diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Specifically, the bill defines first responders as law enforcement officers, paid firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and 9-1-1 dispatchers employed by public entities. The legislation prohibits employers from discriminating against, harassing, or retaliating against employees who take leave for a qualifying PTSD diagnosis. A qualifying diagnosis must be made by a licensed physician or mental health professional and must have arisen either from directly experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event during work duties or from vicarious trauma related to job performance. If a first responder takes PTSD-related leave, they must be reinstated to their previous position upon returning to work. The bill allows employees to file civil actions in court if these protections are violated, with potential remedies including reinstatement, compensation for lost wages, civil fines against the employer, and payment of legal costs. Employees must file such actions within one year of the alleged violation, and this legal recourse is the sole remedy available under the act. The legislation aims to support first responders' mental health by ensuring they cannot be penalized for seeking treatment for job-related psychological trauma.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S2373