New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Legislation Update

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.

_{What’s Hot in Workers’ Comp, Vol. 30, No. 2, February 2026, is prepared by Marshall Dennehey to provide information on recent legal developments of interest to our readers. This publication is not intended to provide legal advice for a specific situation or to create an attorney-client relationship. We would be pleased to provide such legal assistance as you require on these and other subjects when called upon. ATTORNEY ADVERTISING pursuant to New York RPC 7.1 Copyright © 2026 Marshall Dennehey, all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted without the express written permission of our firm. For reprints or inquiries, or if you wish to be removed from this mailing list, contact MEDeSatnick@mdwcg.com.}