“First responders face unimaginable stress and trauma daily in service of the public good,” said Senator Beach (D-Camden/Burlington). “This bill recognizes the mental health challenges they endure and makes sure that these invaluable public servants never have to choose between their livelihood and their own well-being.”

Under the bill, S-2373, public employers would be prohibited from punishing or threatening to punish employees for taking or requesting leave related to a qualifying PTSD diagnosis. After an employee takes said leave for a medical condition, the employer would reinstate them to their previous position and duties if a licensed doctor or mental health professional confirms they can return to work.

“This legislation serves a promise to stand with our first responders in their time of need,” said Senator Greenstein (D-Middlesex/Mercer). “It is time we acknowledge and work to remove the stigma around mental health for the individuals who work so tirelessly to keep our communities safe. When a first responder is diagnosed with PTSD, their job should be protected as if they were out for a physical injury.”

A PTSD diagnosis would qualify under the bill if memorialized in an order of a judge of the Worker’s Compensation Division under certain circumstances, or if a mental health professional made the diagnosis and:

·    The mental health professional determines that the PTSD was caused by the employee experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event while performing their regular or assigned duties, or

·    The mental health professional determines that the employee is experiencing vicarious trauma as a result of performing their regular or assigned duties

The bill was passed in a 39-0 vote.