Murphy signs law protecting paid first responders in New Jersey who take PTSD-related leave
TRENTON, N.J. — Gov. Phil Murphy on Wednesday signed legislation providing job protections for paid first responders diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder under certain conditions.
“Our first responders put themselves on the line daily to keep our residents safe,” Murphy said. “This bill recognizes the real and lasting impact that traumatic experiences can have and ensures that first responders are treated with dignity, compassion, and fairness when they need it most.”
The New Jersey First Responders Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Protection Act prohibits employers from discharging, harassing, retaliating, or otherwise discriminating against a paid first responder who requests or takes leave related to a qualifying PTSD diagnosis. It also requires that a first responder who has taken such leave be restored to their prior position once cleared to return to work by a mental health professional.
The law applies to a range of paid first responders, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, members of first aid and rescue squads, emergency medical technicians, paramedics and 9-1-1 first responder dispatchers.
Supporters said the law acknowledges the cumulative psychological toll associated with exposure to traumatic incidents, including violent crimes, serious accidents or injuries, and medical emergencies.
Employers who violate the law may face legal action. The measure allows affected employees or former employees to file an action in the Division of Workers’ Compensation, where a judge of compensation may order remedies including reinstatement, restoration of lost benefits and seniority rights, back pay and other appropriate relief.
The bill takes effect immediately. Its primary sponsors are Sens. James Beach and Linda Greenstein and Assembly members William Moen Jr., Sterley Stanley and Joe Danielsen.
“First responders face unimaginable stress and trauma in service of the public good, which, left untreated, can have devastating effects,” Beach said. “This bill provides an opportunity for first responders to seek the mental health treatment that they need without fearing that their job security is at risk.”
“This legislation serves a promise to stand with our first responders in their time of need,” Greenstein said. “It is time we acknowledge and work to remove the stigma around mental health for the individuals who work so tirelessly to keep our communities safe. When a first responder is diagnosed with PTSD, their job should be protected as if they were out for a physical injury.”
“Our first responders are the heroes who run toward danger when others flee, and yet, far too often, they are left to face the aftermath of their sacrifices alone,” Moen said. “Bill A2145 will be a lifeline for so many of New Jersey’s finest and is a necessary step toward ensuring that our first responders can seek the help they need without fear of retaliation.”
“First responders rush toward danger to keep us safe and too often, endure mental health challenges as a result,” Stanley said. “With the signing of A2145 into law, we ensure that those who have given so much of themselves in service to our communities receive the respect, care, and employment protections they deserve.”
“The men and women who run toward danger carry invisible scars of the trauma they experience on the job, scars that often stay with them long after their service to their community has ended,” Danielsen said. “For too long, first responders have quietly carried the weight of that trauma, sidelined from getting the care they need because of stigma or fear of risking their livelihood. Through this legislation we’re making it unmistakably clear that our first responders should be met with support and their service honored with the protections they have earned.”
“As fire fighters, we answer the call no matter the emergency, and too often that means facing traumatic scenes that most people will never experience,” said Edward Kelly, general president of the International Association of Fire Fighters. “This bill recognizes that reality by making it illegal for employers to fire, discipline, or harass first responders for seeking treatment so they can recover and return to work. Through the advocacy of the PFANJ, New Jersey fire fighters will now have the job protections they need, and we are grateful to Gov. Murphy for standing with us and signing this bill into law.”
“Firefighters and first responders are exposed to traumatic events as a routine part of the job. We respond to tragedy, violence, and loss knowing it comes with a personal cost. This law is about fairness and job protection—ensuring that first responders who suffer from service-connected PTSD are not punished for doing the job they were sworn to do. It provides clear protections so our members can seek help, remain employed, and support their families without fear of retaliation or career-ending consequences,” said Matthew Caliente, president of the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey. “We are grateful to Governor Murphy for his commitment to signing this bill into law and for recognizing the importance of protecting those who protect our communities. We also thank Senate President Scutari, Speaker Coughlin, Majority Leader Greenwald, and the bill’s sponsors—Senators Beach and Greenstein, along with Assemblymen Moen, Stanley, and Danielsen—for their leadership and partnership in getting this legislation across the finish line. Their support ensured this bill moved with purpose and became real law, not just a promise. This victory belongs to every first responder who carried this burden quietly, every family that stood beside them, and every advocate who refused to let this issue be ignored. The PFANJ never stopped pushing, never stopped believing, and never stopped fighting—because protecting our members doesn’t end when their shift ends. This law will save lives, and that is the only outcome that matters.”
“The signing of this bill provides certain mental health protections for the Firefighters of the State of New Jersey,” said Robert Ordway, president of the New Jersey State Firefighter’s Association. “Firefighters see and experience trauma on all different levels and we thank the Legislature and Governor for recognizing that.”
“The NJFMBA has been stressing the importance of mental health for our first responders for decades,” said Eddie Donnelly, president of the New Jersey State Firemen’s Benevolent Association. “This Bill will be extremely helpful in providing relief as our members pursue outlets to address their issues. We thank the sponsors and our Governor for signing this monumental piece of legislation.”
The 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 call, text and chat access to trained crisis counselors for people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis or emotional distress. People can call or text 9-8-8, or chat online.
