08/22/2025
Murphy Signs PBA Mental Health Bill
Governor Murphy today signed legislation proposed by the State PBA to enhance the benefits and privacy for first responders seeking mental health treatment through worker’s compensation.
The bill, sponsored by Assemblyman Roy Freiman, Senate Joe Lagana and 19 bipartisan cosponsors, requires an employer to provide up to 12 hours of paid confidential counseling services for work related traumatic incidents. These services are in addition to any other benefits provided to members under their health insurance. The bill also, crucially, allows members to select their own counselors rather than use ones assigned by workers compensation.
Finally the bill provides for confidentiality in communications between members and peer counselors provided through the PBA Peer team. This ensures members have the space to freely discuss their need for mental health treatment without fear of their employer being advised.
“This is a major victory for our members and all first responders so that we can protect their mental and physical health,” State PBA President Pete Andreyev said on the bill signing. “Any officer who feels the weight of the job getting heavier on their shoulders should look to this law and our mental health counseling services as their lifeline.”
•
•
