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Bill > A2779


NJ A2779

NJ A2779
Excludes certain illegal aliens from workers' compensation and temporary disability benefits.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
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 (including aliens who were lawfully present in the United States as a result of the application of the provisions of section 203(a)(7) or section 212(d)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. s.1153(a)(7) or 8 U.S.C. s.1128(d)(5), respectively). The bill also provides that illegal aliens shall 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 excludes individuals who are not legally present in the United States from receiving workers' compensation and temporary disability benefits, unless they were lawfully admitted for permanent residence, were present for the purpose of employment, or were otherwise residing in the U.S. under color of law at the time of employment. This change specifically addresses a court ruling that previously allowed undocumented workers to receive temporary disability benefits. The bill also amends the "Temporary Disability Benefits Law" to make individuals ineligible for these benefits if they are also ineligible for unemployment compensation benefits due to their immigration status.

Committee Categories

Labor and Employment

Sponsors (4)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Labor Committee (on 01/13/2026)

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