New Jersey Law Protects First Responders from PTSD Leave Retaliation

The new statute bars employers from disciplining first responders who seek treatment and requires reinstatement once they are cleared to return to duty.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 7:31am

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New Jersey has enacted a new law that provides explicit job protections for firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMTs, paramedics, and other paid first responders who seek treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The law prohibits employers from retaliating against these workers for requesting or taking PTSD-related leave, and requires employers to reinstate them to their previous positions once a mental health professional clears them to return to duty.

Why it matters

The new law aims to address the significant mental health challenges faced by first responders, who are routinely exposed to traumatic incidents on the job. By removing the fear of job loss or retaliation, the law is intended to encourage more first responders to seek necessary treatment for PTSD without jeopardizing their careers.

The details

Under the New Jersey First Responders Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Protection Act, employers are barred from discharging, harassing, retaliating against, or discriminating against paid first responders who request or take leave for a qualifying PTSD diagnosis. The law also requires employers to reinstate these workers to their previous positions once a mental health professional deems them fit to return to duty. To qualify for the protections, the PTSD diagnosis must either be documented by a workers' compensation judge or diagnosed by a mental health professional as resulting from a traumatic event experienced on the job.

  • The new law was signed by outgoing New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy on January 14, 2026.

The players

Phil Murphy

The outgoing governor of New Jersey who signed the new law protecting first responders from PTSD leave retaliation.

Edward Kelly

The general president of the International Association of Fire Fighters, who praised the law as a step toward reducing stigma and protecting firefighters who seek help after repeated exposure to traumatic calls.

Matthew Caliente

The president of the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey, who said the law provides clear job protections for members dealing with service-connected PTSD.

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What they’re saying

“As firefighters, we answer the call no matter the emergency, and too often that means facing traumatic scenes that most people will never experience. This bill recognizes that reality by making it illegal for employers to fire, discipline, or harass first responders for seeking treatment so they can recover and return to work.”

— Edward Kelly, General President, International Association of Fire Fighters

“This law is about fairness and job protection — ensuring that first responders who suffer from service-connected PTSD are not punished for doing the job they were sworn to do. It provides clear protections so our members can seek help, remain employed, and support their families without fear of retaliation or career-ending consequences.”

— Matthew Caliente, President, Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey

What’s next

The new law is expected to result in an indeterminate increase in state and local government expenditures, as the number of potential claims and penalties is unknown.

The takeaway

The New Jersey First Responders Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Protection Act represents a significant step forward in supporting the mental health of first responders, who face immense challenges in the line of duty. By providing clear job protections, the law aims to encourage more first responders to seek necessary treatment without fear of retaliation or career consequences.