The bill, S-3607, would extend the benefits to the families of all the members of the State Police Retirement System who suffered a health impairment as a result of their rescue, recovery or cleanup work at the site of the World Trade Center after the terror attack.

“There shouldn’t be an unfair deadline that denies benefits to the widows and children of State Troopers who responded to the worst terror attack in the Nation’s history,” said Senator Sarlo (D-Bergen). “Tragically, many of the resulting health problems caused by their work as emergency responders took years before they claimed their lives. Their service and sacrifice should be honored by allowing surviving families fair compensation.”

The bill expands on previously-enacted laws that recognized the health impairments suffered by 9-11 emergency responders but had a cutoff deadline of July 8, 2019.

“The men and women who answered the call to duty put their health and safety at risk in service to others,” said Senator Cryan (D-Union). “The 9-11 attack was one of the worst tragedies in history but it brought out the best in the heroic actions by emergency responders. Their legacy should be respected.”

The bill also requires the notification of SPRS surviving spouses and children of the changes made by the legislation.

The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee approved the bill with a unanimous vote.