S 1187 New Jersey Senate · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Establishes "Service Dogs Assisting Veterans Grant Program" in DMVA.

This bill creates a New Jersey state grant program within the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to connect veterans with service-connected disabilities to trained service dogs. Nonprofit organizations applying for grants must meet specific requirements, including accreditation by recognized groups, detailed training plans for veterans and dogs, marketing strategies targeting veterans, and proof of humane animal care standards. The program prohibits nonprofits from charging veterans for service dogs and mandates that DMVA provide ongoing veterinary insurance for the dogs, regardless of the grant's future status. Nonprofits must report on fund usage, and DMVA will annually assess the program's effectiveness in linking veterans with service dogs.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action Jan 13, 2026
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Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee
upper
2 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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