Bill
Bill > A2779
NJ A2779
NJ A2779Excludes 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 (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)
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/A2779 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A3000/2779_I1.HTM |
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