The "New Jersey First Responders Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Protection Act" aims to provide employment protections for paid first responders diagnosed with work-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Under this bill, employers are prohibited from discharging, harassing, or discriminating against employees based on their request for leave related to a qualifying PTSD diagnosis. A diagnosis is considered qualifying if it is made by a licensed physician or mental health professional and arises from the employee's direct experience or vicarious trauma related to their duties. Employers are required to reinstate employees to their previous positions after a documented leave.

If an employer violates these provisions, affected employees or former employees can file a civil action in the Superior Court, with remedies including civil fines, injunctions against continued violations, reinstatement to their previous positions, and compensation for lost wages and benefits. The bill specifies that actions must be initiated within one year of the alleged violation and establishes that the private cause of action is the sole remedy for violations of the act.