Establishes task force to study issues facing returning members of US Armed Forces, NJ National Guard, and reserve component of US Armed Forces; creates permanent commission to study various definitions related to veteran status.
S 1302 creates two bodies to address veteran support in New Jersey. A 13-member task force will study issues faced by service members returning from Afghanistan/Iraq deployments (including mental health, employment, and family needs) and recommend state actions. A separate 5-member commission will review inconsistent state definitions of "veteran" and "disabled veteran" to improve clarity and uniformity. Both groups must issue reports with findings and legislative recommendations within six months. The bill directly affects returning National Guard members, reservists, and their families, focusing on practical support systems rather than new benefits.
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
Floor votes
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Full legislative history
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Total actions
1
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Committee
0
Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee
upper
2 primary · 1 co-sponsor
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Joe Pennacchio
RRepublican
P
Vin Gopal
DDemocratic
Co
Nilsa Cruz-Perez
DDemocratic
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