The New Jersey legislature introduced several bills to amend the Workers’ Compensation Act.
Bills A2779 and S1521 would exclude benefits for illegal aliens. New Jersey workers’ compensation law does not currently differentiate between legal and illegal aliens.
Bills A2792 and S1555 would create a presumption that intoxication is the cause of an injury or death to exclude benefits. The current intoxication defense requires the respondent to prove intoxication as the sole and proximate cause of an injury or death.
Bills A1384 and S2757 would reduce the Statute of Limitation to file a Medical Provider Application for Payment or Reimbursement of Medical Payment from six years to two years.
Bills A1973 and S1447 would establish a separate occupational heat stress standard.
Bills A1870 and S1470 would extend benefits to public safety workers that developed injuries or illnesses following the attacks of September 11, 2001, with a credit to the respondent for payments from collateral sources.
We will continue to monitor legislative developments and their impact on the New Jersey workers’ compensation system.
