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Bill > A3548
NJ A3548
NJ A3548Provides certain volunteer and other workers with maximum compensation benefit for workers' compensation claim regardless of outside employment.
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 provides that certain volunteer and other workers, including but not limited to firefighters and first aid or rescue squad workers, will receive the maximum workers' compensation benefit for an injury or death regardless of whether the worker was employed outside of that position. This bill is in response to the State Supreme Court case of Kocanowski v. Twp. of Bridgewater, 237 N.J. 3, 14 (2019), in which the Court held that the Legislature intended for "all volunteer firefighters [to receive] the maximum compensation allowed, regardless of current or previous income." The bill is intended to clarify any ambiguity in the existing law as to the workers' compensation entitlement of certain volunteer firefighters and other workers.
AI Summary
This bill clarifies that certain volunteer and other workers, including firefighters, first aid or rescue squad members, and others performing public service, will receive the maximum compensation benefit for a workers' compensation claim related to an injury or death that occurs while performing their duties, regardless of whether they have other employment. This change aims to ensure these individuals receive the highest possible benefit, as intended by law, and addresses any confusion arising from past court decisions. Workers' compensation is a system that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill as a direct result of their job.
Committee Categories
Labor and Employment
Sponsors (1)
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/A3548 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A4000/3548_I1.HTM |
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