NJ Workers' Compensation-related bills introduced January 13, 2026 - Currently in committee review
The September 11 Legacy Bills
Two companion bills (A1870 and S1379) seek to extend workers' compensation benefits to public safety workers who developed illnesses or injuries from responding to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. These bills recognize the long-term health impacts faced by first responders and could set an important precedent for disaster-related occupational diseases.
Impact on Claims: Workers who responded to 9/11 and later developed conditions linked to their response efforts may finally have a clear path to compensation, even decades after the event.
Heat Stress Protection
Bills A1973 and S1447 would establish New Jersey's first occupational heat stress standard and create an "Occupational Heat-Related Illness and Injury Prevention Program" within the Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
Impact on Claims: Workers suffering heat-related illnesses on the job would have clearer grounds for compensation claims, with employers required to maintain prevention programs. This is particularly significant for construction, agriculture, and outdoor workers.
Restrictive Measures
Several bills propose limitations on workers' compensation eligibility:
A2779 and S1521 would exclude certain undocumented immigrants from receiving workers' compensation and temporary disability benefits.
A2792 aims to prevent intoxicated employees from receiving workers' compensation benefits.
Impact on Claims: These bills could create significant barriers for vulnerable workers and increase the burden of proof in claims involving alleged intoxication. Employers may face more complex claims investigations.
Technical and Administrative Changes
A1577 addresses PERS accidental disability benefits for workers at state psychiatric institutions and correctional facilities injured after January 2003.
A3167 and S2372 concern workers' compensation insurance requirements for certain corporations and partnerships.
S2757 would dramatically reduce the statute of limitations for medical fee disputes from six years to two years.
S3144 concerns the submission of testimony in workers' compensation claims.
Impact on Claims: The shortened statute of limitations for medical fee disputes would create urgency for healthcare providers to resolve billing issues. The testimony submission changes could streamline or complicate claim proceedings depending on implementation details.
Judicial Retirement Age
S2290 proposes raising the mandatory retirement age for Workers' Compensation Judges (among other judicial positions) from 70 to 72.
Impact on Claims: This could affect case continuity and leverage the experience of senior judges, potentially influencing claim outcomes.
Insurance Industry Protection
A1115 would create protections for insurers and insurance producers engaging in insurance business connected with cannabis-related businesses.
Impact on Claims: As New Jersey's cannabis industry grows, this bill could clarify coverage and reduce disputes over whether cannabis-related workplace injuries are compensable.
Current Status and Next Steps
All bills were introduced on January 13, 2026, and have been referred to their respective committees:
- Labor Committee bills: A1577, A1870, A1973, A2779, A2792, A3167, S1379, S1447, S1521, S2372, S2757, S3144
- Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee: A1115
- Judiciary Committee: S2290
What This Means for Stakeholders:
For Injured Workers: Several bills could expand your rights (9/11 responders, heat stress victims) while others could restrict eligibility. Stay informed about which bills advance.
For Employers: Prepare for potential new heat stress prevention requirements and insurance compliance obligations. The undocumented worker bills could affect hiring and claims management practices.
For Insurance Carriers: Monitor the cannabis insurance protections and medical fee dispute timeline changes closely.
For Healthcare Providers: The two-year statute of limitations for fee disputes requires immediate attention to billing practices.
For Attorneys: These bills will reshape claim strategies, from 9/11-related cases to heat stress injuries to immigration status challenges.
Bill Links
- A1115 - Cannabis Insurance Protections
- A1577 - PERS Accidental Disability
- A1870 - September 11 Benefits
- A1973 - Heat Stress Standard
- A2779 - Immigration Status Restrictions
- A2792 - Intoxication Exclusions
- A3167 - Insurance Requirements
- S1379 - September 11 Benefits (Senate)
- S1447 - Heat Stress Standard (Senate)
- S1521 - Immigration Status Restrictions (Senate)
- S2290 - Judicial Retirement Age
- S2372 - Insurance Requirements (Senate)
- S2757 - Medical Fee Statute of Limitations
- S3144 - Testimony Submission
The Bottom Line
This legislative package represents the most comprehensive review of New Jersey's workers' compensation system in years. Whether these bills become law depends on committee hearings, stakeholder input, and political will.
Track these bills closely through the legislative process. The decisions made in committee rooms today will determine how workers' compensation claims are handled for years to come.
Note: This analysis is based on bill introductions as of January 13, 2026. Bill language and status may change as the legislative process unfolds.
*Jon L. Gelman of Wayne, NJ, is the author of NJ Workers' Compensation Law (West-Thomson-Reuters) and co-author of the national treatise Modern Workers' Compensation Law (West-Thomson-Reuters).
Blog: Workers' Compensation
LinkedIn: JonGelman
LinkedIn Group: Injured Workers Law & Advocacy Group
Author: "Workers' Compensation Law" West-Thomson-Reuters
Mastodon:@gelman@mstdn.social
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© 2026 Jon L Gelman. All rights reserved.
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