This bill amends the New Jersey workers' compensation law regarding the valuation of board and lodging provided by employers. Currently, such benefits are valued at a fixed rate of $25 per week unless a different amount is established at the time of hiring. The proposed changes will replace this fixed amount with a requirement that the value of board and lodging be determined at market value, unless otherwise agreed upon by the parties at the time of hiring.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that if a claimant continues to receive board or lodging during a period of total temporary disability, the value of these benefits will not be included in the calculation of the workers' compensation rate for temporary total disability. This update aims to modernize the approach to calculating benefits and ensure that the valuation reflects current market conditions. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage.