TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey lawmakers are advancing legislation that would shield paid first responders from workplace retaliation or discrimination after being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to their service. The measure, Assembly Bill 2145, was reported favorably by the Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee on January 27, 2025.
The bill prohibits employers from firing, harassing, or otherwise discriminating against employees who take or request leave due to a qualifying PTSD diagnosis. It specifically protects paid first responders—such as police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel—who develop PTSD as a result of work-related trauma.
Under the proposal, employers found to have violated these protections could face civil action in Superior Court. Courts would have the authority to impose fines, order reinstatement, and award damages to affected employees. Remedies include fines of $5,000 for a first offense and $10,000 for each subsequent violation, reinstatement of employment and benefits, recovery of lost wages, and payment of attorney’s fees.
Supporters of the bill say the measure is designed to recognize the psychological toll of emergency service work and ensure that first responders are not penalized for seeking treatment or taking leave to recover.
Assembly Bill 2145 was pre-filed for introduction in the 2024–2025 legislative session and has undergone technical review.
The measure would protect paid first responders diagnosed with work-related PTSD from termination or discrimination and allow them to pursue civil remedies if their rights are violated.