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 experiences or vicarious trauma during the performance of 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. The bill allows for various remedies, including civil fines of $5,000 for the first violation and $10,000 for subsequent violations, as well as potential injunctions, reinstatement to prior positions, restoration of benefits, and compensation for lost wages. The action must be initiated within one year of the alleged violation, and the private cause of action is designated as the sole remedy for violations of the act.