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Bill > S1521
NJ S1521
NJ S1521Excludes certain illegal aliens from workers' compensation and temporary disability benefits.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill excludes illegal aliens from workers' compensation coverage unless they were lawfully admitted for permanent residence at the time the employment was performed, were lawfully present for the purpose of performing the employment, or otherwise were permanently residing in the United States under color of law at the time the employment was performed. The bill also provides that illegal aliens will not be eligible to receive benefits pursuant to the "Temporary Disability Benefits Law," P.L.1948, c.110 (C.43:21-25) if they are not eligible for benefits pursuant to the "unemployment compensation law," R.S.43:21-1 et seq. This bill is in response to the decision of Mateo Coria v. Board of Review and National Fence Systems, No. A-5076-89-T5 (App. Div. 1991). In that case, the Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court held that the "Temporary Disability Benefits Law" does not disqualify individuals for benefits based upon their status as illegal aliens.
AI Summary
This bill amends existing New Jersey law to exclude certain undocumented immigrants, referred to as "illegal aliens," from receiving workers' compensation and temporary disability benefits. Specifically, it modifies the definition of an "employee" for workers' compensation to exclude aliens unless they were legally admitted for permanent residence, lawfully present for work, or residing in the U.S. under color of law at the time of employment. Additionally, it amends the Temporary Disability Benefits Law to prevent individuals from receiving these benefits if they are ineligible for unemployment compensation benefits, referencing a specific section of the unemployment law. This legislation is a direct response to a court decision that previously allowed undocumented immigrants to receive temporary disability benefits.
Committee Categories
Labor and Employment
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Labor Committee (on 01/13/2026)
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/2026/S1521 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S2000/1521_I1.HTM |
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