New Jersey Assembly Bill A4135

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/4/24
• Refer: 4/4/24

Caption

Requires counties to establish crisis intervention services programs for law enforcement officers, firefighters, and sheriff's officers.

Impact

The bill requires counties to create an independent agency designated to run these services, ensuring that facilities are not located near typical law enforcement or firefighting stations, thus maintaining privacy for individuals seeking help. In terms of funding, the state is required to reimburse counties for costs incurred in establishing and running these programs. The bill obliges employers to ensure that personnel attending counseling sessions do not suffer any loss of pay or benefits, emphasizing the importance of mental health support in the workplace.

Summary

Bill A4135, also known as the 'Craig Tiger Act', mandates that counties in New Jersey establish crisis intervention services programs aimed at law enforcement officers, firefighters, and sheriff's officers. The main purpose of this program is to provide post-traumatic debriefing and counseling services to personnel who may experience stress or psychological disorders due to traumatic incidents encountered in their line of work. The bill extends eligibility for services to include volunteer firefighters and 9-1-1 first responder dispatchers, broadening the support network for emergency responders in the state.

Contention

While the introduction of A4135 has been generally well-received, there may be concerns regarding the financial implications for counties and the state budget, especially in the areas of ongoing funding and reimbursement processes. Additionally, the implementation of the bill may challenge existing workplace policies and practices relating to leave for employees undergoing treatment without affectation of their income. Another potential point of contention lies in the stipulations regarding 'not fit for duty', which could call for further clarifications on how such determinations are made and the impact on staffing shortages.