26:13-16 Reinstatement of employment after isolation, quarantine.

16. a. Any person who has been placed in isolation or quarantine pursuant to an order of the commissioner and who at the time of quarantine or isolation was in the employ of any public or private employer, other than a temporary position, shall be reinstated to such employment or to a position of like seniority, status and pay, unless the employer's circumstances have so changed as to make it impossible or unreasonable to do so, if the person:

(1) receives a certificate of completion of isolation or quarantine issued by the department or the authorized local health department;

(2) is still qualified to perform the duties of such position; and

(3) makes application for reemployment within 90 days after being released from isolation or quarantine.

b. If a public or private employer fails or refuses to comply with the provisions of this section, the Superior Court may, upon the filing of a complaint by the person entitled to the benefits of this section, specifically require the employer to comply with the provisions of this section, and may, as an incident thereto, order the employer to compensate the person for any loss of wages or benefits suffered by reason of the employer's unlawful action. A person claiming to be entitled to the benefits of this section may appear and be represented by counsel, or, upon application to the Attorney General, request that the Attorney General appear and act on his behalf. If the Attorney General is reasonably satisfied that the person so applying is entitled to the benefits, he shall appear and act as attorney for the person in the amicable adjustment of the claim, or in the filing of any complaint and the prosecution thereof. No fees or court costs shall be assessed against a person so applying for the benefits under this section. Attorney fees shall be awarded to the Attorney General or to the counsel for a person entitled to benefits under this section, who prevails in the proceeding.

c. The Attorney General may apply to the Superior Court and the court may grant additional relief to persons placed in isolation or quarantine under section 15 of this act, which relief may include, but is not limited to, relief similar to that accorded to military personnel under P.L.1979, c.317 (C.38:23C-1 et seq.).

L.2005,c.222,s.16.