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Bill > A2356

NJ A2356

NJ A2356
Provides employment protections for paid first responders diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder under certain conditions.

summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
01/13/2026
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
01/13/2026

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill establishes employment protections for paid first responders who are diagnosed with certain cases of work-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Under the bill, an employer would be prohibited from discharging, harassing, or otherwise discriminating against an employee, or threatening to do so, with respect to the compensation, terms, conditions, duties, or privileges of employment on the basis that the employee took or requested any leave related to a qualifying diagnosis of PTSD. The bill provides that if an employer violates its provisions, an employee or former employee would be authorized to institute a civil action in the Superior Court for relief. All remedies available in common law tort actions would be available to a prevailing plaintiff. Additionally, the bill provides that a court would be authorized to order any or all of the following relief: (1) an assessment of a civil fine of $5,000 and $10,000 for each subsequent violation; (2) an injunction to restrain the continued violation of any of the provisions of the bill; (3) reinstatement of the employee to the same position or to a position equivalent to that which the employee held prior to unlawful discharge or retaliatory action; (4) reinstatement of full fringe benefits and seniority rights; (5) compensation for any lost wages, benefits and other remuneration; or (6) payment of reasonable costs and attorney's fees.

AI Summary

This bill, known as the "New Jersey First Responders Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Protection Act," establishes employment protections for paid first responders, which include law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and 9-1-1 dispatchers, who are diagnosed with work-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is considered qualified if diagnosed by a licensed professional and determined to have arisen from experiencing, witnessing, or vicariously experiencing traumatic events during their job duties. Under this act, employers are prohibited from firing, harassing, or discriminating against an employee because they took or requested leave for a qualifying PTSD diagnosis, and employers must reinstate the employee to their previous position or an equivalent one upon their documented fitness to return to work. If an employer violates these provisions, the employee can sue in court, seeking remedies such as civil fines of $5,000 for a first offense and $10,000 for subsequent offenses, injunctions, reinstatement, restoration of benefits and seniority, compensation for lost wages, and payment of legal costs.

Committee Categories

Military Affairs and Security

Sponsors (25)

Last Action

Withdrawn Because Approved P.L.2025, c.272. (on 01/13/2026)
(3 Companion Bills)

bill text

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bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A2356
BillText https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A2500/2356_I1.HTM
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