This bill amends New Jersey's workers' compensation and temporary disability benefits laws to exclude certain illegal aliens from receiving these benefits. Specifically, it states that employees who are aliens will not be eligible for workers' compensation unless they were lawfully admitted for permanent residence, were lawfully present for the purpose of employment, or were permanently residing in the U.S. under color of law at the time of employment. Additionally, the bill stipulates that illegal aliens will not be eligible for benefits under the Temporary Disability Benefits Law if they are also ineligible for unemployment compensation benefits.

The legislation is a direct response to the court ruling in Mateo Coria v. Board of Review and National Fence Systems, which determined that the Temporary Disability Benefits Law did not disqualify individuals based on their status as illegal aliens. The bill aims to clarify and reinforce the eligibility criteria for workers' compensation and temporary disability benefits, ensuring that only those who meet specific legal residency requirements can access these benefits.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 43:21-39