Bill would protect new jersey first responders diagnosed with work-related ptsd from job discrimination

Bill would protect New Jersey first responders diagnosed with work-related PTSD from job discrimination

Posted by
1 min read
January 9, 2026

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.

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.

Don't Miss

Exit mobile version