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Bill > S3571
NJ S3571
NJ S3571Provides certain volunteer and other workers with maximum compensation benefit for workers' compensation claim regardless of outside employment.
summary
Introduced
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
In Committee
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
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 if they are injured or die while performing their duties, regardless of whether they have other outside employment. This provision aims to ensure that these individuals are fully compensated, aligning with a previous court interpretation that volunteer firefighters should receive the maximum allowed benefit irrespective of their other income. The bill also specifies that these claims will not be subject to the standard seven-day waiting period for benefits.
Committee Categories
Labor and Employment
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Labor Committee (on 02/19/2026)
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/S3571 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S4000/3571_I1.HTM |
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