New Jersey Assembly Bill A1719

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

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

Impact

The effect of this bill would reinforce the delineation of rights and benefits applicable to different categories of workers, particularly concerning undocumented individuals. This legislative action aims to align state practice with federal immigration policies and intends to prevent benefits from being awarded to individuals who are not legally authorized to work within the state. This shift is expected to impact both employers and workers, introducing additional scrutiny regarding the verification of immigration status before benefits can be claimed.

Summary

Assembly Bill 1719 seeks to amend current workers' compensation and temporary disability benefits laws in New Jersey by explicitly excluding certain illegal aliens from receiving these benefits. Under the proposed law, eligibility for workers' compensation and temporary disability benefits will be restricted to individuals who are either lawfully admitted for permanent residence at the time of employment or are otherwise permitted to be in the United States legally. This change addresses specific legal precedents concerning the rights of undocumented workers in the state with regard to workers' protections.

Contention

The bill arises from the legal background established by the Mateo Coria v. Board of Review, which highlighted the potential for undocumented individuals to access temporary disability benefits. Proponents of AB 1719 argue that it is necessary to ensure that public benefits are reserved for those who are legally authorized to work and reside in the country. However, critics caution that such measures may affect vulnerable populations, that is, those who may already be without much access to social and economic support. The debate is likely to invoke broader discussions on immigration reform and the treatment of undocumented workers in the labor market.