Bill > S1379

This bill establishes a presumption of compensability under New Jersey's workers' compensation law for public safety workers who developed illnesses or injuries as a result of their participation in the response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, provided they are being treated or monitored through the World Trade Center Health Program, a federal program managed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This means their claims for workers' compensation benefits will be presumed valid without regard to when the claim is filed, though claims must be submitted within two years of the bill's effective date or within two years of when the worker knew or should have known about a permanent disability related to their exposure. The bill also clarifies that if a worker has already received benefits from another state's workers' compensation program or a federal fund for the same condition, those benefits will be credited against any award under this bill, and any future awards will comply with federal rules regarding collateral source reductions. To ensure affected individuals are aware of these provisions, the Division of Archives and Records Management and various public safety entities are required to notify all active and retired personnel, and the next-of-kin of deceased personnel, about this presumption and their potential rights within three months of the bill's enactment.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S1379