WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

A 4189

Provides certain health care benefits to surviving dependents of accidental disability retiree who participated in 9/11 WTC rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations; clarifies eligibility criteria for recalculation of retirement allowance for such participation.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Carol Murphy

NJ bill expands health benefits to surviving dependents of 9/11 first responders with accidental disabilities and clarifies retirement recalculation rules.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 4189

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 4189 extends health care benefits to surviving dependents of first responders who retired due to accidental disabilities sustained during 9/11 World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations. The bill also clarifies how retirement allowances should be recalculated for individuals who participated in these operations.

Why is this important

First responders who participated in 9/11 recovery efforts have faced long-term health consequences, and this bill acknowledges that surviving family members may face financial hardship when a 9/11-related disabled retiree passes away. Clarifying recalculation criteria removes ambiguity in benefit eligibility, ensuring consistent treatment across similar cases and reducing disputes over entitled benefits.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact: Extending health benefits to surviving dependents creates ongoing state budget obligations; critics may question cost projections and whether benefits should be permanent or time-limited
  • Definition scope: The bill's criteria for what qualifies as "accidental disability" from 9/11 operations may be narrow or broad depending on final language, affecting who is actually eligible
  • Precedent concerns: Some may worry this sets a precedent for expanding benefits to other occupational injury groups, raising fairness questions about resource allocation

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.