17:33A-19.1 - Additional investigatory and prosecutorial authority, referral for criminal prosecution - New Jersey Statutes

17:33A-19.1  Additional investigatory and prosecutorial authority, referral for criminal prosecution.

2.In addition to the investigatory and prosecutorial authority granted pursuant to section 35 of P.L.1998, c.21 (C.17:33A-19), the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor may investigate, and if warranted, prosecute, cases of failure to provide workers' compensation insurance coverage , or self-insurance for such coverage, as required pursuant to chapter 15 of Title 34 of the Revised Statutes.  The Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development shall not refer any case of failure to provide required workers' compensation insurance coverage, or self-insurance for such coverage, for criminal prosecution unless the employer has been afforded a reasonable opportunity to obtain that coverage.  The provisions of this section are not jurisdictional, and the failure to afford such opportunity shall not in any manner be construed as a prerequisite to a criminal prosecution or conviction.  Nothing in this section shall be deemed to limit the existing authority of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor or any other prosecutorial entity.

L.2008, c.121, s.2.