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A 2145

Relates to the labeling of mifepristone, misoprostol, and their generic alternatives

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jonathan Jacobson and 6 co-sponsors

Protects paid first responders with PTSD from discrimination for PTSD-related leave; requires reinstatement after leave and allows a private lawsuit with penalties and remedies.

SUBSTITUTED BY S36A
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Bill Summary · A 2145

Summary — Assembly Bill A2145 (A2145A)

Title: New Jersey First Responders Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Protection Act
Introduced: January 9, 2024 — Status: Substituted by S36A (printed A2145A)

Main purpose

A2145 creates statutory employment protections for paid first responders diagnosed with certain work-related post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It prohibits discrimination or retaliation against such employees for taking or requesting leave related to a qualifying PTSD diagnosis and requires reinstatement when the employee is cleared to return to work.

Key provisions

  • Scope and definitions

    • Applies to "paid first responders": law enforcement officers, paid firefighters, paid members of incorporated first aid/emergency/ambulance/rescue squads, paid EMTs, paid paramedics, and paid 9‑1‑1 dispatchers.
    • Defines "law enforcement officer" consistent with existing statute (full‑time, trained/certified officers).

  • Protected leave and non‑retaliation

    • Employers may not discharge, harass, discriminate, retaliate, or threaten such actions against an employee because they took or requested leave tied to a qualifying PTSD diagnosis.
    • After leave, employers must reinstate an employee whose fitness to return is documented by a licensed physician or licensed mental health professional to the same (or equivalent) position and duties.

  • Qualifying PTSD diagnosis

    • Must be made by a licensed physician or licensed mental health professional.
    • PTSD must be determined to have arisen either:
    • from experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event during and within the scope of regular or assigned duties, or
    • from vicarious trauma related to performing regular or assigned duties.

  • Remedies and enforcement

    • Private right of action: an employee or former employee may sue in Superior Court; the private cause of action is the sole remedy under the Act.
    • Available relief includes common‑law tort remedies plus any or all of:
    • Civil fine: $5,000 for a first violation; $10,000 for each subsequent violation.
    • Injunction to stop continued violations.
    • Reinstatement to same/equivalent position; restoration of full fringe benefits and seniority.
    • Compensation for lost wages/benefits/other remuneration.
    • Payment of reasonable costs and attorney’s fees.
    • Statute of limitations: action must commence within one year of the alleged violation.

  • Effective date: immediate upon enactment.

Who is affected

  • Directly: paid first responders employed by public or private employers in New Jersey.
  • Employers of paid first responders: public (State/local) and private entities may face civil suits, fines, reinstatement requirements.
  • State courts: increased caseload for Superior Court (indeterminate).
  • Division of Pensions and Benefits: potential increased healthcare utilization for employees seeking documentation for eligibility.

Fiscal and procedural notes

  • Fiscal estimate (Office of Legislative Services): indeterminate increase in State expenditures (Judiciary) and potential local expenditures (civil penalties, settlements). Possible additional costs to Division of Pensions and Benefits due to increased healthcare use.
  • Legislative actions: reported favorably by Assembly Public Safety & Preparedness (Jan 27, 2025) and Assembly Labor (Feb 20, 2025); printed as A2145A and substituted by companion S36A. Referred to Assembly Appropriations; various committee reports and calendaring actions in Jan–Feb 2025.
  • Sponsors include Karines Reyes (primary), Jonathan Jacobson, Grace Lee, Linda Rosenthal, Nily Rozic, Charles Lavine, Anna Kelles. Companion bill: S36 / S2373.

This summary highlights the bill’s protections, enforcement mechanisms, affected parties, and anticipated fiscal considerations.

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

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