New Jersey Senate Bill S2443

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/9/22
• Refer: 5/9/22

Caption

Establishes presumption for accidental disability retirement in PFRS that firefighter with Parkinson's Disease has disease as result of employment.

Impact

The introduction of this presumption represents a significant shift in how disability claims are evaluated for firefighters. The bill would require that firefighters who seek to qualify under this presumption have successfully passed an initial physical examination that did not reveal symptoms of Parkinson's Disease prior to taking on their roles. This mechanism is designed to prevent any claims of willful negligence as a basis for denying disability retirement. The enactment of this bill would provide enhanced protection and support for firefighters facing debilitating health conditions that may stem from their duties.

Summary

Senate Bill 2443 aims to establish a presumption of accidental disability retirement for firefighters who have been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, asserting that their condition is a result of their employment. This legislation seeks to amend the existing provisions under the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS) for firefighters, which currently stipulate specific conditions under which a member can qualify for disability retirement. With this bill, if a firefighter develops Parkinson's Disease after commencing their service, their condition will be presumed as work-related, provided they had no prior indication of the disease at the time of their employment.

Contention

Discussions surrounding S2443 may evoke notable contentions including concerns about potential abuses of the system. Opponents might argue that establishing a broad presumption could lead to increased costs for the retirement system, as more claims could be approved without rigorous scrutiny of individual circumstances. Proponents, however, emphasize the importance of acknowledging the risks firefighters face in their line of work and the need for a safety net for those afflicted by serious health conditions resulting from their service.