New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A5499

Introduced

3/24/25

Refer

3/24/25

Caption

Requires employer to provide one additional paid sick day per benefit year to paid first responders for healthcare diagnostic testing.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will represent a significant change in the benefits available to first responders, thus affecting staffing strategies within emergency service organizations. The additional paid sick day will not only assist in the health management of first responders but is also seen as a step toward enhancing the overall recruitment of these critical roles. With increasing concerns over a shortage of personnel in emergency services, the bill highlights a proactive approach to maintaining public safety by attracting and retaining skilled first responders.

Summary

Assembly Bill A5499, introduced in New Jersey, mandates that employers provide an additional paid sick day per benefit year to paid first responders specifically for healthcare diagnostic testing. The bill aims to address growing concerns regarding the recruitment and retention of first responders, emphasizing the crucial role they play in community safety and well-being. By ensuring that these employees have adequate time to undergo necessary medical testing, the bill seeks to create a more supportive working environment for those serving in high-risk positions.

Contention

While the bill garners support for bolstering the rights and well-being of those who serve critical roles during emergencies, there may be discussions regarding the financial implications for employers who are required to offer an additional day of paid leave. Critics may argue about the increased costs associated with the implementation of this bill, particularly for small organizations that may already struggle with tight budgets. Thus, the balance between employee benefits and employer responsibilities could spark debate in legislative discussions.

Companion Bills

NJ S3520

Same As Requires employer to provide one additional paid sick day per benefit year to paid first responders for healthcare diagnostic testing.

Previously Filed As

NJ S3520

Requires employer to provide one additional paid sick day per benefit year to paid first responders for healthcare diagnostic testing.

NJ S3521

Requires employer of volunteer first responder to provide employee with one additional paid sick day per benefit year for healthcare diagnostic testing.

NJ A2606

Provides that healthcare benefits plan, fully or partly paid by public employer, cannot cover public employee's spouse who is subject of divorce from bed and board.

NJ S1250

Allows long-term care facility employees to accrue paid sick leave.

NJ S2772

Allows long-term care facility employees to accrue paid sick leave.

NJ HB05269

An Act Creating Parity Between Paid Sick Leave Benefits And Other Employer-provided Benefits.

NJ HB899

Providing for the right for employees to paid sick leave from employers and for civil penalties and remedies.

NJ SB2069

PAID LEAVE-FIRST RESPONDERS

NJ HB221

Relating to requiring certain employers to provide paid sick leave to employees; providing administrative and civil penalties.

NJ HB64

Relating to requiring certain employers to provide paid sick leave to employees; providing administrative and civil penalties.

Similar Bills

NJ S3520

Requires employer to provide one additional paid sick day per benefit year to paid first responders for healthcare diagnostic testing.

NJ S3521

Requires employer of volunteer first responder to provide employee with one additional paid sick day per benefit year for healthcare diagnostic testing.

WV HB4257

Require visitation immediately following a procedure in a health care facility

WV SB614

Requiring health care facilities to ensure patients have adequate access to clergy

LA SB110

Provides for patient's right to prompt coverage. (8/1/23) (EN INCREASE SG EX See Note)

HI HCR134

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct An Impact Assessment Of Eliminating Cost-sharing For Certain Diagnostic And Supplemental Breast Examinations.

RI S2180

Requires each healthcare entity/network plan to compile/report to health insurance commissioner a summary of how the healthcare entity/network plan requires its contracted providers to submit claims for in-network outpatient behavioral health services.