NJ S2373

Prohibits public employers from discharging, harassing, discriminating against, or retaliating against paid first responders who take or request leave related to a qualifying post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis

Requires employers to reinstate first responders to their prior position after PTSD-related leave once a mental health professional documents their fitness to return to work

Defines covered first responders as paid law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, first aid/rescue squad members, and 9-1-1 dispatchers employed by public entities

Qualifies PTSD diagnoses through either a Division of Workers' Compensation order or an examination by a mental health professional determining the condition arose from experiencing, witnessing, or vicarious trauma during job duties

Allows employees to sue for violations with civil fines of $5,000 for first offense and $10,000 for subsequent violations, plus reinstatement, back pay, attorney's fees, and other remedies, with a one-year statute of limitations