Veterans in New Jersey | MyRepTracker

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 897: Requires organizations training disabled veteran assistance dogs to register with Division of Consumer Affairs and provide disabled veteran assistance dogs with vests or harnesses.

This bill requires non-profit organizations training disabled veteran assistance dogs to register annually with New Jersey's Division of Consumer Affairs. It mandates that these organizations provide handlers (disabled veterans) with vests or harnesses labeled "DISABLED VETERAN ASSISTANCE DOG" or "DVAD" in visible block letters, plus an ID card listing the handler, dog's name/breed, and training organization. The law prohibits unregistered organizations from operating in New Jersey and makes violations a consumer fraud offense. The bill directly affects training organizations and disabled veteran handlers by standardizing identification for these service dogs.

Topics ✓ Veterans

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2440: Establishes hiring preference for veterans for teaching positions.

This bill requires New Jersey school boards to give hiring preference to veterans for teaching positions when veterans are equally qualified as other candidates in all measurable criteria. It directly affects veterans seeking teaching jobs in public school districts across New Jersey, ensuring they receive priority consideration under this standard. The preference does not apply in school districts using New Jersey's Civil Service system (Title 11A), which follows separate hiring rules for classified positions. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Public Employees Veteran Education Veteran Employment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1597: Requires DMVA create Bereavement Counseling Program for family members and volunteer caregivers of certain veterans.

S 1597 requires New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to create a free bereavement counseling program for family members and volunteer caregivers of veterans who died by suicide. The program provides up to 24 months of counseling (max 30 hours yearly) through clinicians licensed in mental health fields, matching participants with available clinicians after application. Eligible participants include spouses, parents, siblings, or unpaid volunteer caregivers from qualified veterans' organizations who provided care for at least three months before the veteran's death. The DMVA must proactively inform grieving families through Veteran Service Officers and funeral directors when a veteran's death is by suicide, and the program will be advertised online. This bill directly affects New Jersey veterans' families and unpaid caregivers grieving suicide losses, with implementation beginning six months after enactment.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Mental Health Veteran Mental Health

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2572: Requires issuance of one free copy of birth certificate to military veteran.

This bill (S 2572) requires New Jersey to provide one free official copy of a birth certificate to military veterans who were born in the state. It applies specifically to veterans discharged from the Armed Forces (excluding those with dishonorable discharges) or eligible WWII Merchant Marine members. The law adds a provision to existing state code, ensuring veterans can request one free certified copy upon request, while all additional copies remain subject to standard fees. The bill does not change eligibility for veterans or affect other existing fee exemptions.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare

passed · New Jersey · Senate Jun 18, 2026

S 1526: Increases penalties for identity theft when victim is a senior citizen or veteran.

This New Jersey bill (S 1526) increases criminal penalties for identity theft when the victim is a senior citizen (62+) or veteran. It amends N.J.S.2C:21-17 to elevate offenses involving these groups: a first offense against a senior or veteran becomes a third-degree crime (previously fourth degree), and a second offense becomes a second-degree crime (previously third degree). The bill also increases penalties for cases involving multiple victims if any victim is a senior or veteran. These changes directly affect identity thieves targeting vulnerable groups, making their offenses more serious under state law.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✓ Veterans

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2399: Creates sexual assault prevention and response program and coordinator for service members.

This bill creates a dedicated sexual assault prevention and response program and coordinator within New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, specifically for service members including the New Jersey National Guard. The program allows victims to file confidential complaints with the coordinator (independently from military leadership), receive advocacy services, and access victim compensation. Key provisions include the coordinator referring cases to the Attorney General for investigation, assisting victims in obtaining protective orders, and requiring annual reports on program effectiveness and sexual assault statistics. The bill directly affects service members who experience sexual assault and provides new reporting mechanisms and support services.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights Violent Crime National Guard & Reserve

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1875: Excludes military compensation of military personnel serving outside of this State from gross income tax.

S 1875 exempts specific military compensation from New Jersey's state income tax for New Jersey residents serving outside the state. It directly affects New Jersey-domiciled military personnel stationed in other states or overseas by excluding their active-duty pay, mustering-out payments, and housing allowances from taxable income. The bill amends New Jersey tax law (N.J.S.54A:6-7) to create this exclusion for service performed outside New Jersey. This policy change provides tax relief to military members who maintain New Jersey residency while serving in other locations.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Income Tax Military Families

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 858: Increases from $750 to $3,000 annual State payment made to certain veterans and their surviving spouses.

This bill increases the annual state payment to eligible veterans and their surviving spouses from $750 to $3,000. It affects veterans with specific service-connected disabilities, including total loss of sight, paraplegia, amputations, or permanent loss of limb function due to military service, as well as their surviving spouses. The payment will be made in monthly installments starting January 1 after the bill's effective date, with retroactive payments available for applications made within one year of discharge. Currently, 207 individuals receive this benefit under the existing $750 rate.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits Veteran Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2842: Increases regulation of State veterans' memorial homes.

This bill (S 2842) increases oversight of New Jersey's three State veterans' memorial homes (Menlo Park, Vineland, and Paramus). It requires each home to create infection control plans, provide staff training on hand hygiene and protective equipment (like gloves and masks), undergo annual financial audits, and face unannounced inspections. Administrators must have clinical experience in long-term care. The bill directly affects residents and staff at these facilities by mandating specific safety and operational standards.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Healthcare Veteran Housing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 277: Increases amounts of property tax deductions for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, and veterans, from $250 to $500.

This bill increases the annual property tax deduction for eligible senior citizens (65+), persons with disabilities, and veterans from $250 to $500, effective 2024. It directly affects New Jersey residents in these categories who own or occupy qualifying property and meet income limits. The key change modifies two existing laws (P.L.1963, c.171 for veterans and c.172 for seniors/disabled) to raise the deduction amount, while requiring a constitutional amendment approval before taking effect. The deduction will cover up to $500 of property tax annually or the full tax amount if lower.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Property Tax

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