NJ S4590

Requires employers to provide first responders with up to 12 hours of paid confidential counseling covered under workers' compensation after experiencing a critical incident, with an additional 24 hours available if a mental health professional recommends it

Defines "first responder" to include paid 9-1-1 dispatchers, law enforcement officers, paid firefighters, and paid emergency medical personnel

Defines "critical incident" to include events such as shootings, death or serious injury to minors or fellow responders, terrorist acts, hostage situations, and witnessing death or maiming

Prohibits employers from requiring first responders to use vacation, sick, or personal leave for counseling sessions during work hours

Makes communications between law enforcement officers and peer support team members or resiliency program officers confidential, except when there is risk of harm to self or others or evidence of criminal conduct