N.J. passes bill requiring comp to cover counseling for first responders

New Jersey lawmakers unanimously passed a bill Monday that would require workers’ compensation to pay for at least 12 hours of paid counseling for first responders, under certain circumstances.

Assembly Bill 5792 would require employers of law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical service workers and 911 dispatchers to pay for counseling after events such as firing a weapon or being involved in an exchange of gunfire, suffering a serious bodily injury, witnessing a serious bodily injury and investigating crimes against children.

First responders would be allowed to choose their provider. If the counselor declares that the first responder would benefit from more paid counseling, the employer would be required to pay for an additional 24 hours of treatment.

The Assembly voted 80-0 to pass Assembly Bill 5792; the Senate passed it 39-0.

The bill can now be presented to the governor, who can sign it, veto it or allow it to become law without a signature.

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