Veterans in New Jersey | MyRepTracker

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1598: Requires converting portion of Paramus and Menlo Park veterans' memorial homes into single occupancy rooms; requires upgrades to ventilation systems; provides Adjutant General discretion for additional room considerations.

This bill requires converting at least one room section in each of the Paramus and Menlo Park veterans' homes to single-occupancy rooms and upgrading all heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to infection control standards. The Adjutant General may also mandate additional ventilation modifications, such as negative pressure rooms, to support infection control. Funding will first come from federal sources (including the American Rescue Plan Act), with state General Fund dollars used only if federal funds are insufficient. These changes directly affect residents of both veterans' homes.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Housing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

SCR 26: 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.

SCR 26 proposes a constitutional amendment to expand New Jersey's homestead property tax rebate program. It would allow honorably discharged veterans who served during wartime or emergencies, as defined by the Legislature, and their unmarried surviving spouses (including spouses of veterans who died while on active duty) to receive the same larger tax rebate currently available to senior citizens (65+) and disabled residents. This change would make approximately 330,000 veterans or their surviving spouses eligible for the enhanced rebate, which averages $410 annually, in addition to their existing $50 property tax deduction. The bill is currently pending before the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee after being introduced on January 13, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing ✓ Veterans

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

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

SJR 33: Designates July 16 of each year as "Atomic Veterans Day" in New Jersey.

SJR 33 designates July 16 of each year as "Atomic Veterans Day" in New Jersey to honor military service members who participated in U.S. nuclear weapons tests (1945-1962), served near Hiroshima/Nagasaki, or were POWs in those areas. It specifically recognizes approximately 250,000 veterans, including New Jersey residents, who were historically barred from seeking VA medical care due to secrecy laws. The resolution requests the governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public observance but does not create new benefits or obligations. This is a symbolic gesture with no fiscal or regulatory impact.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 308: Requires creation of license plates that allow disabled veterans to park in parking spots reserved for persons with disabilities.

This bill creates special license plates for New Jersey disabled veterans who have a service-connected disability impairing their ability to walk. Eligible veterans (certified by the VA and verified by a licensed physician) must pay a $15 fee and display the plate to park in disability-reserved spaces without needing separate disability placards. The plates, marked "Disabled Veteran" and featuring a wheelchair symbol, are non-transferable and require valid display while parked. Misuse of the plate can result in revocation of the plate and associated privileges.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 11, 2026

S 1059: Allows corporation business tax and gross income tax credits to businesses paying a salary differential to National Guard members or reservists on active duty.

This bill creates tax credits for New Jersey businesses that pay a salary differential to employees serving in the National Guard or reserve forces during active duty. Specifically, businesses can claim a credit equal to the amount they pay to make up the difference between an employee's regular salary and their military pay during active duty. The credit applies to both corporation business tax and gross income tax, but cannot exceed 50% of the business's tax liability for that period. It directly affects New Jersey employers with qualifying National Guard or reserve members who receive military orders for active duty.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Income Tax National Guard & Reserve

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2403: Requires Adjutant General of DMVA create program for veterans to receive evaluation and treatment for PTSD, total brain injury, or traumatic brain injury.

S 2403 requires New Jersey's Adjutant General to establish a program providing veterans with evaluation and treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), total brain injury, or traumatic brain injury. This program would directly assist New Jersey veterans diagnosed with these conditions, which are commonly associated with military service. The bill amends N.J.S.38A:3-6 to add this duty to the Adjutant General's responsibilities under the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs, ensuring state-administered access to these services.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare Veteran Mental Health

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2060: Allows veteran service organizations to obtain license to serve members alcoholic beverages.

S 2060 would amend New Jersey's alcohol licensing law to allow veteran service organizations to obtain a Class C "Plenary retail consumption license," which permits serving alcoholic beverages to members on the organization's premises. This license currently permits businesses like restaurants and hotels to serve alcohol on-site, and the bill would extend this eligibility to veteran service organizations without altering existing fees or requirements. The change would directly affect non-profit veteran organizations seeking to serve alcohol during member events or gatherings at their facilities. The bill does not specify new restrictions but aligns veteran service organizations with existing license categories under state law.

Topics ✓ Veterans

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1094: Eliminates veterans' gross income tax deduction requirement that New Jersey National Guard member serve in federal active duty status.

This bill (S 1094) amends New Jersey's tax code to allow National Guard members who are honorably discharged to claim a $6,000 annual gross income tax deduction, regardless of whether they served in federal active duty status. Previously, this deduction required proof of federal active duty service under 10 U.S.C. §1209. The change directly affects New Jersey National Guard members who served honorably but were not called to federal active duty. The key provision removes the federal active duty requirement from the deduction eligibility criteria in N.J.S.54A:3-1. This policy change ensures all qualifying National Guard members receive the same tax benefit as veterans from other military branches.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Income Tax National Guard & Reserve

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 911: Removes principal place of business requirement of "Set-Aside Act for Disabled Veterans' Businesses."

This bill (S 911) removes the requirement that disabled veterans' businesses must have their principal place of business in New Jersey to qualify for state contracts under the "Set-Aside Act for Disabled Veterans’ Businesses." It directly affects businesses owned by disabled veterans seeking to compete for state contracts. The key change amends the definition of "disabled veterans' business" by deleting the "principal place of business in the State" clause, allowing businesses verified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as service-disabled veteran-owned to qualify regardless of location. This 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. The bill amends P.L.2015, c.116 and takes effect immediately.

Topics ✓ Veterans

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 28, 2026

S 3199: Requires DVA establish Veterans Outdoor Recovery Task Force.

New Jersey's S 3199 requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) to create a Veterans Outdoor Recovery Task Force. The task force, led by DVA and Environmental Protection commissioners, will identify barriers and coordinate with agencies to expand veterans' access to outdoor therapy on public lands. It must hold public hearings, develop recommendations for improving outdoor healing programs, and report findings to the legislature within 18 months. The bill directly affects veterans seeking mental health and rehabilitation support through outdoor activities, aiming to facilitate their use of public spaces for healing.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse Veteran Healthcare Veteran Housing Veteran Mental Health

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