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NJ S1555
Bill
Status
Introduced
1/13/2026
Primary Sponsor
Carmen Amato
Click for details
AI Summary
- Bars employees from receiving workers' compensation benefits if they were intoxicated when the injury or death occurred, creating a legal presumption that intoxication caused the harm
- Expands existing workers' compensation exclusions to include injuries where intoxication is a "material contributing factor," not just the sole cause
- Amends N.J.S.A. 34:15-7 in response to the New Jersey Supreme Court decision in Tlumac v. High Bridge Stone (2006), which held intoxication must be the "sole cause" to deny benefits
- Maintains existing exclusions for self-inflicted injuries, unlawful controlled substance use, willful failure to use required safety equipment, and injuries from non-work-related recreational activities
- Sponsored by Senator Carmen F. Amato, Jr. (District 9, Ocean County) and pre-filed for the 2026 legislative session
Legislative Description
Prevents intoxicated employees from receiving workers' compensation.
Labor
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Labor Committee
1/13/2026
Committee Referrals
Labor1/13/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available