This bill requires the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and South Jersey Transportation Authority to create a toll exemption program for disabled veterans using the E-ZPass electronic toll collection system. To qualify, a disabled veteran must first obtain a special "Disabled Vet" license plate issued by the state, after which the toll authorities must automatically approve their application for toll waivers on vehicles registered in New Jersey. The exemption applies specifically to tolls collected through the electronic tolling system for vehicles owned or leased by disabled veterans who meet the license plate requirements.
This bill clarifies that disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients do not need to own a vehicle to receive free parking at municipal meters in New Jersey. Under the new provision, these individuals can park for free as long as they display a valid disabled veteran or Purple Heart license plate or placard and are either driving or riding as a passenger in the vehicle. The law also allows them to lease a vehicle for this exemption, provided the appropriate identification is shown and the parking does not exceed 24 hours in one location. This change removes the previous requirement that the veteran or recipient must own the car to qualify for the parking fee waiver.
This bill expands tuition assistance in New Jersey to include dependents of U.S. Armed Forces members who died while on active duty, extending a benefit currently limited to New Jersey National Guard members. It allows eligible children or surviving spouses to attend public colleges tuition-free for up to 16 credits per semester if they meet standard enrollment and financial aid requirements. Additionally, the bill provides a monetary award equal to 10 percent of tuition costs to be used for non-tuition expenses like housing, dining, and fees. The changes apply to the first full academic year following enactment.
This bill proposes amending the New Jersey Constitution to increase the property tax deduction for veterans from $250 to $2,500 over a four-year period. The increase would occur in annual steps, reaching the full $2,500 amount by tax year 2029, and would apply to honorably discharged veterans and their surviving spouses. The amendment also clarifies how the deduction works for veterans living in continuing care retirement communities, ensuring they receive the benefit through a payment or credit from the facility. If approved by the legislature and voters, the change would become permanent and cannot be altered or repealed.
This bill expands eligibility for New Jersey's Military Dependents Scholarship program to include students enrolled in approved career and technical education programs, in addition to undergraduate studies. It also extends scholarship eligibility to dependents of military members who served in Operation Freedom's Sentinel and Operation Inherent Resolve, alongside previously covered operations. The legislation modifies the governing board to require at least five public members who were directly affected by specific military operations, ensuring representation from those with direct experience. Scholarships remain available for spouses, children, or other eligible dependents of New Jersey residents who were killed, missing in action, or permanently disabled due to service in the specified operations.
This bill designates November 2026 as Veterans Month in New Jersey to honor the service and sacrifices of military veterans. The resolution allows the Governor to issue a proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe the month with appropriate activities and programs. It does not create new funding or policy changes but serves as a symbolic recognition of the approximately 350,000 veterans residing in the state. The measure takes effect immediately upon passage and focuses on acknowledging the contributions of those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
This bill allows New Jersey National Guard members to transfer their tuition benefit to a spouse or dependent child. Currently, Guard members can attend public New Jersey colleges tuition-free for up to 16 credits per semester under specific conditions. The new provision permits transfer of this benefit to one spouse or child, who must also be enrolled in good standing at a public institution and have applied for all available state and federal grants/scholarships. It does not change the existing requirements for the original Guard member or the recipient.
This bill (A-827) removes the requirement that disabled veterans' businesses must have a physical office in New Jersey to qualify for state contracts under the Set-Aside Act. It directly affects disabled veteran-owned businesses seeking state contracts, allowing them to qualify even if their principal place of business is outside New Jersey. The key change amends the law to eliminate the "principal place of business in the State" language from the definition of eligible businesses. This adjustment aims to expand the pool of eligible businesses, potentially helping state agencies meet their goal of awarding at least 3% of contracts to disabled veterans' businesses.
This New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 105) urges Congress and the Department of Veterans Affairs not to reduce federal funding that reimburses ambulance services for veterans. It directly affects 338,012 veterans in New Jersey who rely on free ambulance transport for medical emergencies, as proposed cuts could shift costs to veterans (with average bills of $400-$600) or lead to service reductions in rural areas. The resolution highlights that shifting this financial responsibility to states/local governments - without adequate resources - would create barriers to emergency care, especially where hospital closures are increasing. It is a non-binding request sent to federal officials, emphasizing the need to maintain current reimbursement levels.
AR 22 is a non-binding Assembly Resolution urging New Jersey's K-12 schools and colleges to include veterans and active military members in discussions about military service, values, and leadership. It specifically encourages institutions to integrate these perspectives into educational programming, particularly during Veterans Month in November. The resolution does not mandate changes but recommends fostering student connections with service members to promote appreciation for military values like integrity and selfless service. It applies to all public educational institutions across New Jersey.
