New Jersey Senate Bill S1470

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24
• Report Pass: 1/25/24
• Refer: 1/25/24

Caption

Provides workers' compensation benefits for certain public safety workers who developed illness or injury as result of responding to September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Impact

The enactment of S1470 is significant as it modifies existing workers' compensation laws, specifically those concerning public safety workers' rights and benefits. By linking compensability directly to the public safety workers’ exposure during the September 11 attacks and participation in the World Trade Center Health Program, the bill seeks to address long-term health issues faced by first responders, thereby providing them with a more accessible avenue for receiving necessary medical support and financial relief.

Summary

Senate Bill 1470 aims to provide workers' compensation benefits to public safety workers who develop illnesses or injuries as a result of their participation in the response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The bill establishes a presumption that any illness, injury or death suffered by these workers is compensable, easing the burden of proof for those seeking benefits. This law extends the timeframe in which workers can file claims, allowing them to do so regardless of when the illness manifests as long as it is within the conditions specified.

Contention

While the bill has been largely supported, there are points of contention regarding its implications for state resources and the administrative burden it might impose on the Workers' Compensation system. Some legislators and stakeholders raise concerns about the potential for increased claims and whether sufficient funding is allocated to support the needs of these workers in the long term. Additionally, there may be apprehensions regarding the specificity of health conditions that qualify under this presumption and the criteria for determining eligibility to prevent abuse of the system.