Bill
Bill > S2887
NJ S2887
NJ S2887Provides certain volunteer and other workers with maximum compensation benefit for workers' compensation claim regardless of outside employment.
summary
Introduced
03/04/2024
03/04/2024
In Committee
03/03/2025
03/03/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill provides that certain volunteer and other workers, including but not limited to firefighters and first aid or rescue squad workers, will receive the maximum workers' compensation benefit for an injury or death regardless of whether the worker was employed outside of that position. This bill is in response to the State Supreme Court case of Kocanowski v. Twp. of Bridgewater, 237 N.J. 3, 14 (2019), in which the Court held that the Legislature intended for "all volunteer firefighters [to receive] the maximum compensation allowed, regardless of current or previous income." The bill is intended to clarify any ambiguity in the existing law as to the workers' compensation entitlement of certain volunteer firefighters and other workers.
AI Summary
This bill clarifies that certain volunteer and other workers, including firefighters, first aid or rescue squad members, and others performing public service, will receive the maximum compensation benefit for a workers' compensation claim if they are injured or die while performing their duties, regardless of whether they have other employment. This change is intended to address a previous court ruling and ensure that these individuals are compensated at the highest possible rate, as was the presumed intent of the law, and it also waives the standard seven-day waiting period for these claims.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee (on 03/03/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S2887 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S3000/2887_I1.HTM |
| Fiscal Note - Fiscal Estimate 7/16/25; as introduced | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S3000/2887_E1.PDF |
| Analysis - Statement SLA 3/3/25 | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S3000/2887_S1.PDF |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S3000/2887_I1.HTM |
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