N.J. Senate passes bill to increase burial reimbursement in comp

New Jersey lawmakers have passed legislation to increase the burial expense reimbursement amount for the dependents of workers who die on the job.

A.B. 4134, sponsored by Democratic Rep. Joann Downey, unanimously passed the state’s Senate on Thursday. The bill passed the state Assembly in a 70-5 vote in July.

The legislation would increase burial or funeral expense reimbursement for dependents of injured workers who died due to a traumatic accident or occupational disease from $3,500 to $5,000. The bill, which would take effect immediately if signed into law, will apply to all pending claims that have not been adjudicated by a Judge of Workers Compensation or approved for settlement on or after the date of enactment.