Veterans (Memorials & Recognition) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 19, 2026

S 3588: Creates New Jersey Cold War medal.

S 3588 creates a New Jersey Cold War medal to honor veterans who served honorably during the Cold War (Sept. 2, 1945-Dec. 31, 1991). It directly affects New Jersey residents or former residents who completed at least 180 days of service in the military or militia during that period and were honorably discharged. The bill establishes a process for veterans or their representatives to apply through the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs, requiring documentation like a DD Form 214, and creates a dedicated fund to cover the medal’s design and distribution. The medal may also be awarded posthumously to deceased veterans or those missing in action.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 377: Increases regulation of State veterans' memorial homes.

This bill (A377) strengthens oversight of New Jersey's three State veterans' memorial homes (Menlo Park, Vineland, and Paramus) by requiring stricter operational standards. It mandates that home administrators have clinical long-term care experience, requires infection control plans and staff training on hygiene and protective equipment, and requires annual financial audits plus unannounced inspections. The bill directly affects the facilities' management and staff, focusing on improving healthcare safety and accountability. These provisions aim to ensure consistent, high-quality care through concrete regulatory measures rather than new funding or services.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Healthcare Veteran Housing

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

AJR 106: Designates September 22nd of each year as "Veterans Suicide Awareness & Remembrance Day."

AJR 106 designates September 22nd each year as "Veterans Suicide Awareness & Remembrance Day" in New Jersey. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about the high suicide rates among veterans and active military members - citing over 65,000 veteran and active-duty suicides since 2010 - and reduce stigma around mental health treatment. It requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public observance through activities that honor those who died by suicide and support affected families. This ceremonial resolution does not create new programs or funding but seeks to foster community recognition of a critical public health issue affecting military service members.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Mental Health Public Health Memorials & Recognition Veteran Mental Health

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 19, 2026

S 3540: Establishes New Jersey Veterans' Organization Building Grant Program.

This bill (S 3540) creates the New Jersey Veterans' Organization Building Grant Program, which provides financial assistance to nonprofit veterans' organizations for acquiring, constructing, or improving their facilities. The program, administered by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), offers grants covering building-related costs like construction, repairs, and equipment. It directly affects eligible veterans' groups across New Jersey that own or seek to establish physical locations for their operations. The bill establishes this funding mechanism through statutory amendments without altering veterans' benefits or services.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Housing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 21, 2026

SJR 90: Designates May 1st of each year as "Silver Star Service Banner Day" in New Jersey.

This bill designates May 1st of each year as "Silver Star Service Banner Day" in New Jersey to honor military service members and veterans who were wounded or became ill during service. It requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public observance of the day, aligning with a national recognition established by Congress in 2010. The resolution does not create new policies or funding but provides symbolic recognition through an annual observance.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3972: Establishes "New Jersey Gold Star Family Annuity Program."

This bill proposes establishing New Jersey's "Gold Star Family Annuity Program" within the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. It would provide eligible surviving family members of service members who died on active duty with an annual $600 payment starting January 1 each year, with future increases tied to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefit adjustments (minimum 1%, maximum 4% annually). The program specifically supports New Jersey residents who are spouses, domestic partners, parents, siblings, children, or legal guardians of fallen service members. Residency is required for eligibility, and remarriage does not disqualify recipients. The bill defines "Gold Star family member" and outlines application requirements, including proof of relationship and New Jersey residency.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Military Families Veteran Education

died · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2364: Requires DVA notify certain veteran organizations and county officers and municipal registers of names of persons buried or cremated in State veteran cemeteries.

This bill (A 2364) requires New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs (DVA) to notify specific veteran organizations, county officers, and municipal registers when individuals are buried or cremated in state veteran cemeteries. It amends state law to mandate that the DVA provide these entities with the names of deceased veterans interred or cremated at state facilities. The key mechanism is a new notification requirement, ensuring these groups receive timely burial/cremation information. This affects veteran service organizations, local government officials, and municipal record-keepers who may need this data for community services or historical records. (Note: The bill was withdrawn as it was approved as P.L.2025, c.229.)

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

ACR 27: Proposes constitutional amendment to increase veterans' property tax deduction to $1,000, and base future deductions on annual CPI increases.

ACR 27 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase New Jersey's veterans' property tax deduction from $250 to $1,000 annually, effective for tax year 2021. It would also tie future adjustments to annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) increases, ensuring the deduction grows with inflation while never decreasing. This change directly affects honorably discharged veterans, their surviving spouses, and veterans living in continuing care retirement communities. The amendment requires voter approval after legislative passage, as it modifies the state constitution. If approved, the deduction would automatically adjust yearly based on inflation without legislative action.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Property Tax Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits Veteran Education

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

ACR 100: Proposes constitutional amendment permitting certain veterans and their surviving spouses to receive enhanced homestead rebate amounts similar to the homestead rebate amounts allowed for senior and disabled residents.

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to expand New Jersey's homestead property tax rebate program. It would allow honorably discharged veterans who served in wartime or emergencies, plus their unmarried surviving spouses (including spouses of veterans who died while on active duty), to receive the same larger rebate currently available to seniors (65+) and disabled residents. The change would extend eligibility to approximately 330,000 veterans and surviving spouses who currently qualify only for a $50 property tax deduction. The amendment requires voter approval before implementing this expanded rebate program.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Property Tax Property Taxes Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits Veteran Housing

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

AJR 84: Designates May 1st of each year as "Silver Star Service Banner Day" in New Jersey.

AJR 84 designates May 1st of each year as "Silver Star Service Banner Day" in New Jersey to honor service members and veterans who were wounded, ill, or injured during military service. The bill directly affects these individuals and their families, recognizing their sacrifices through the symbolic Silver Star Service Banner. Key provisions require the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public observance of the day with appropriate activities. This resolution is procedural, aligning New Jersey with the nationally recognized observance established by Congress in 2010.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

All veterans bills