Veterans in New Jersey | MyRepTracker

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2426: Requires EDA administer small business loan program to provide loans to small businesses owned or controlled by certain veterans.

This bill requires New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to allocate at least 12% of all funds from its existing small business loan program to businesses owned or controlled by veterans, with priority given to veterans with service-connected disabilities. It directly affects eligible veteran-owned small businesses in New Jersey seeking loans under the program. Key mechanisms include mandating the EDA to track and report loan allocations to meet this 12% minimum, while prioritizing veterans certified as having service-connected disabilities by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or Defense. The requirement applies to all loan funds disbursed in any calendar year under the program, as amended from existing law (P.L.2011, c.201).

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Employment Veteran Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2428: Indexes amount of veterans' income tax exemption for inflation.

This bill (S 2428) adjusts the New Jersey veterans' income tax exemption amount to keep pace with inflation. It directly affects honorably discharged veterans who qualify under state law, increasing their current $6,000 exemption annually based on the Chained Consumer Price Index (C-CPI-U). The exemption will automatically rise each year if the C-CPI-U increases from the previous year's 12-month period ending August 31, but remain unchanged if inflation is flat. This change applies to tax years starting in 2023 and beyond.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Incentives Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Employment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1049: Extends time period in which gross income taxpayers may file amended tax returns to correct overpayment of tax related to military pension payments or military survivor's benefit payments.

This bill extends the deadline for New Jersey taxpayers to file amended returns correcting overpayments related to military pensions or survivor benefits. It specifically ensures that taxpayers affected by errors in reporting these payments can file claims within 2 years of the required federal correction, instead of facing shorter time limits. The change directly helps military retirees and survivors who overpaid state income tax due to initial misreporting of pension income. The key mechanism clarifies that the 2-year window under existing law (N.J.S.54A:9-8(c)) applies to these specific military benefit corrections. This adjustment provides a practical administrative fix without altering tax rates or eligibility.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Income Tax Pensions

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2422: Requires certain funds from Main Street Recovery Fund to be used for grants for veteran-owned small businesses.

S 2422 requires 7% of funds from New Jersey's Main Street Recovery Fund to be allocated specifically for grants to veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran small businesses. These grants can cover capital improvements or operating expenses for eligible businesses meeting standard program requirements like tax compliance and minimum wage standards. The bill amends existing law to mandate this dedicated funding stream, defining eligible businesses as those owned and controlled by veterans per federal standards (15 U.S.C. §632(q)). It does not change other eligibility rules but ensures a set portion of recovery funds directly supports veteran entrepreneurs.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Veteran Education Veteran Employment Veteran Housing Tags Small Business

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 21, 2026

S 2954: NJ Veterans to Local Government Employment Act; requires DMVA provide certain information on website and at Veteran Service Offices and certain outreach events; requires DLGS provide certain information on website.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs (DMVA) to create a centralized website with resources for veterans seeking public employment, including civil service preference forms, job listings, and transition assistance. It also mandates that DMVA provide printed copies of these resources at Veteran Service Offices and outreach events. Additionally, the Division of Local Government Services must maintain a public list of local government job openings (outside standard civil service rules) that include veteran preference details. The law aims to streamline access to employment information for veterans transitioning to civilian careers across federal, state, county, and municipal government roles.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Veteran Education Veteran Employment Veteran Housing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1700: Requires clinic connected with dental school at public institution of higher education to give priority to 100 percent disabled veterans.

S 1700 requires dental clinics affiliated with public university dental schools (like Rutgers School of Dental Medicine) to give priority scheduling to 100% disabled veterans seeking oral health services. It directly affects veterans certified as permanently 100% disabled by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs who live in New Jersey. The key provision mandates that clinics must schedule appointments for these veterans within 30 days of request, ensuring timely access to care. The law takes immediate effect and directs the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to create implementing rules.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Primary Care Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1153: Qualifies certain disabled veterans for toll rate exemptions and exemptions from motor vehicle registration fees.

This bill (S 1153) extends existing motor vehicle registration fee exemptions for certain disabled veterans to toll facilities. It requires the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and South Jersey Transportation Authority to waive toll charges for veterans who are already exempt from registration fees under Section 1 of P.L.1948, c.28. Eligibility includes veterans with service-connected disabilities qualifying under federal laws (Public Laws 663-79th Congress and 187-82nd Congress) or veterans of World War I with specific disabilities, provided they hold a valid New Jersey driver's license. The bill directly affects qualifying disabled veterans who own passenger vehicles not used for hire, ensuring they pay no tolls on state toll facilities when their vehicle registration is fee-exempt.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1594: Exempts veterans' organizations from motor vehicle registration fee.

This bill exempts federally chartered veterans' organizations from paying motor vehicle registration fees for vehicles not used for personal pleasure or commercial hire. It adds these organizations to an existing list of exempt entities, including government agencies, fire departments, and nonprofit groups like the Red Cross. The key provision modifies New Jersey's vehicle registration law (R.S.39:3-27) to include veterans' organizations as eligible for the fee exemption. This directly affects qualifying veterans' groups that operate vehicles for organizational purposes, not personal or commercial use. The exemption applies to standard registration or special plates for these vehicles, as defined in the amended statute.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Fees & Licensing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 866: Requires EDA to provide loans through small business loan program at lower interest rates, with more flexible repayment terms if issued to small businesses owned or controlled by certain veterans, and prohibit certain fees.

This bill (S 866) requires New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to provide small business loans with preferential terms to veteran-owned businesses. Specifically, it mandates lower interest rates and more flexible repayment terms for businesses where over 50% of employees are veterans, and sets interest at 0% for businesses owned by veterans with service-connected disabilities. The EDA must also eliminate all fees (application, closing, etc.) for these veteran-owned businesses. The policy directly affects small businesses in New Jersey owned or controlled by veterans, aiming to improve access to capital through the state's existing small business loan program.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Veteran Education Veteran Employment Veteran Healthcare Tags Small Business

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 588: Requires school districts to observe Veterans Day as school holiday.

This bill requires all New Jersey public school districts to close on November 11th each year for Veterans Day. Currently, school districts decide which holidays to observe, but this bill would mandate a closure on Veterans Day by prohibiting districts from opening schools on that date. The policy change would apply starting the first full school year after the bill's enactment. It directly affects students, staff, and families in New Jersey public schools by ensuring Veterans Day is observed as a school holiday.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits Veteran Education

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