Recently, Governor Murphy signed into law two bills. On January 12, 2026, the Governor signed S3772 into law. This bill modernized board and lodging provided by an employer when calculating the rate of benefits. Previously, board and lodging furnished by an employer were regarded as part of wages and valued at $25 per week, unless otherwise noted at the time of hiring. Now, according to the bill, unless a different amount is fixed at the time of hiring, the value of employer-furnished board and lodging will be its market value. However, if the claimant continues to receive board or lodging during the period of total temporary disability, the value will not be included in the calculation of the workers' compensation rate for purposes of temporary total disability.
On January 14, 2026, Governor Murphy signed into law S2373/A2145, also known as the New Jersey First Responders Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Protection Act. It provides employment protections for paid first responders diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) under certain conditions. This Act applies to a broad range of first responders and prohibits employers from various actions against a paid first responder due to a qualifying diagnosis of PTSD. The bill will take effect immediately.
Otherwise, below are the newest New Jersey workers’ compensation bills introduced for the 2025-26 session.
S241 Inclusion in Database of Appointed Officials
This requires that workers’ compensation judges and administrative law judges be included in the database of appointed officials. It was introduced on January 13, 2026, to the senate and referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee.
S1379 Workers' Compensation Benefits for Certain Workers Due to September 11, 2001, Terrorist Attacks
This provides workers’ compensation benefits for certain public safety workers who developed an illness or injury as result of responding to September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. It was introduced on January 13, 2026, and referred to the Senate Labor Committee.
S1521 Excludes Certain Illegal Aliens
This excludes certain illegal aliens from workers’ compensation and temporary disability benefits. It was introduced on January 13, 2026, and referred to the Senate Labor Committee.
S1555 Prevent Intoxicated Employees from Workers’ Compensation
This prevents intoxicated employees from receiving workers’ compensation. It was introduced on January 13, 2026, and referred to the Senate Labor Committee.
S2290 Increase Mandatory Retirement Age
This increases statutory mandatory retirement age for Supreme Court Justices, Superior Court Judges, Tax Court Judges, Administrative Law Judges, and Workers’ Compensation Judges from 70 to 72. It was introduced on January 13, 2026, and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
S2372 Workers’ Compensation Insurance Requirements for Certain Corporations and partnerships
This concerns workers’ compensation insurance requirements for certain corporations and partnerships. It was introduced on January 13, 2026, and referred to the Senate Labor Committee.
S2757 Reduce Statute of Limitations in Medical Fee Disputes
This reduces the statute of limitations from six years to two years in medical fee disputes in workers’ compensation matters. It was introduced on January 13, 2026, and referred to the Senate Labor Committee.
S3144 Testimony in Workers’ Compensation
This concerns the submission of testimony in workers’ compensation claims. It was introduced on January 13, 2026, and referred to the Senate Labor Committee.
