Establishes First Responders COVID-19 Supplemental Benefits Program; appropriates $20 million.
The bill appropriates $20 million from the General Fund to support this initiative. It mandates that the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development will issue annual reports detailing the number of claims, total benefits awarded, and projected costs. This reporting will ensure transparency and allow the state to track the distribution and efficacy of the supplemental benefits program. Additionally, the bill stipulates that these supplemental benefits shall not influence the assessments of insurance surcharges for employers, which may encourage compliance and participation among eligible responders.
Assembly Bill A2018 establishes the First Responders COVID-19 Supplemental Benefits Program, designed to provide financial support to eligible first responders who contracted COVID-19 during the course of their employment. The program aims to alleviate the economic challenges faced by those first responders who may experience long-term health effects from the virus. Under the bill, eligible responders will receive supplemental benefits equal to 70% of their weekly wages, which, when combined with regular workers' compensation, will not exceed 100% of their wages up to a maximum of $1,800 per week, and the benefits can last for a maximum of 180 weeks.
One notable aspect of the bill is the establishment of an advisory council tasked with overseeing the program. This council includes representatives from multiple first responder organizations, providing a voice for those directly affected by the legislation. However, there may be differing opinions on whether the benefits adequately address the needs of all first responders, particularly volunteer responders who might face different economic realities than their paid counterparts. The provision requiring claims to be filed within two years of the end of the public health emergency also raises concerns regarding the accessibility and fairness of the program for various first responders.