Bill
Bill > A3278
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 requires every case of attempted suicide or death by suicide by a first responder to be reported to the Director of the Division of Mental Health Services in the Department of Human Services. The Office of the Surgeon General of the United States has highlighted suicide as a significant public health problem. In 2019, there were 47,500 suicide fatalities and an estimated 1.4 million suicide attempts. First responders are at an especially elevated risk of suicide because of the environment in which they work and the stressors they face. Additionally, stressors are magnified during times of emergency, impacting the mental and physical health of the first responder more severely. EMS providers are 1.39 times more likely to die by suicide than members of the public. Data on deaths among first responders is also likely to be under-reported because of perceived stigma and concerns over impact on employment. To begin to understand and address this problem, the Division of Mental Health Services within the Department of Human Services will maintain a database of all attempts and deaths by suicide of first responders without identifying any individual involved. Additionally, the director will issue an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature of the data compiled, including aggregate demographic information about first responders who attempt or commit suicide.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that any instance of a first responder attempting suicide or dying by suicide must be reported within three business days to the Director of the Division of Mental Health Services, a part of the Department of Human Services, by the medical professionals or hospital administrators involved. A "first responder" is defined broadly to include law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel, whether paid or volunteer, who are dispatched to emergencies to provide aid. The Director will then create a confidential database to track this information without identifying individuals, and will annually provide a report to the Governor and Legislature summarizing the compiled data, including general demographic details of the first responders affected. This measure aims to address the significant public health issue of suicide, which disproportionately affects first responders due to the inherent stressors of their jobs, especially during emergencies.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness 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/A3278 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A3500/3278_I1.HTM |
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