NJ A2356

Prohibits employers from discharging, harassing, discriminating against, or retaliating against paid first responders who take or request leave related to a qualifying PTSD diagnosis.

Covers law enforcement officers, paid firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, ambulance/rescue squad members, and 9-1-1 dispatchers employed by federal, state, county, or municipal entities.

Requires PTSD diagnosis by a licensed physician or mental health professional, with the condition arising from experiencing/witnessing traumatic events during work duties or from vicarious trauma related to job performance.

Mandates reinstatement to the employee's prior position and duties once fitness to return is documented by a licensed physician or mental health professional.

Allows employees to file civil actions in Superior Court within one year, with remedies including civil fines of $5,000 for first violations and $10,000 for subsequent violations, reinstatement, back pay, restored benefits/seniority, and attorney's fees.