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 otherwise specified at the time of hiring. The proposed change stipulates that the value of board and lodging will instead be determined at market value, unless a different amount has been agreed upon by the parties involved at the time of hiring.

Additionally, the bill introduces a provision 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 factored into 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 compensation reflects the actual value of the benefits provided. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage.