This bill creates a program through New Jersey's Collaborating Center for Nursing (NJCCN) to help veterans' memorial homes establish nurse residency programs for licensed practical nurses and registered nurses. It appropriates $500,000 to fund financial, material, and technical support for participating homes, requiring programs to include a 12-month timeline, full-time schedules, and mentoring by experienced nurses. Veterans' memorial homes must apply for support, with approval on a first-come basis, and will collect data on program completion and nurse retention. The program mandates annual reports to the Governor and Legislature on participation and spending.
SR 63 is a non-binding Senate resolution urging New Jersey educational institutions (K-12 and colleges) to include veterans and active military members in discussions about military service, military values, and leadership. It encourages schools to foster student connections with service members through events and lessons, particularly during Veterans Month in November. The resolution emphasizes learning from veterans about values like loyalty and selfless service, aiming to build student appreciation for military contributions. It does not create new requirements but formally requests that schools consider this approach.
This bill creates a grant program to provide financial support to nonprofit veteran organizations that offer military funeral honors in New Jersey. Qualified organizations - those recognized as tax-exempt under federal law (501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19)) - can receive grants of up to $75 per funeral to cover costs like mileage and transportation. The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will administer the program, including setting application rules and managing a dedicated revolving fund for the grants. Grants may be reduced for multiple funerals on the same day, and organizations must submit proof of expenses to receive payments.
AJR 18 is a non-binding New Jersey joint resolution urging the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to study hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) as a potential treatment for veterans with treatment-resistant PTSD or traumatic brain injury (TBI). It does not create new programs or funding but requests the VA conduct research on HBOT's efficacy, referencing existing VA pilot programs and prior evidence reviews. The resolution directly addresses the VA, not veterans or healthcare providers, and focuses on gathering evidence to inform future treatment options. It was introduced in the New Jersey Assembly's Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee.
This bill requires New Jersey's Division of Veterans' Healthcare Services to create and maintain emergency plans specifically for state-run Veterans' Memorial Homes. The plans must identify potential emergencies, outline response steps, establish standardized procedures for all homes (including training), and ensure timely information sharing with residents, families, and staff. It directly affects Veterans' Memorial Homes across New Jersey and their residents. The law takes immediate effect and does not override existing federal or state emergency regulations.
This bill (A 3844) allows military working dogs to be buried in New Jersey's state-operated veterans' memorial cemeteries, including the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans' Memorial Cemetery. It defines "military working dog" as a dog that performed duties for the Department of Defense, such as tracking, explosive detection, patrol, search and rescue, or attack. The bill directly affects the burial eligibility of these dogs, which previously were not included in state cemetery provisions. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.
AJR 28 designates July 16 of each year as "Atomic Veterans Day" in New Jersey to honor military service members who participated in U.S. nuclear tests between 1945 and 1962, served near Hiroshima or Nagasaki through 1946, or were prisoners of war in those areas. This ceremonial resolution recognizes their service during a period when secrecy laws initially prevented them from seeking VA medical care or disability benefits related to radiation exposure. The bill does not create new benefits or alter laws, but formally acknowledges their contributions to national defense. It requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public observance.
This bill, A 878, authorizes New Jersey to issue special "100 Percent Disabled Veteran" license plates to veterans who have a 100% disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It directly affects eligible veterans by granting them the same handicapped parking privileges as standard disabled parking placards, with no application fee. The plates must display the phrase "100 Percent Disabled Veteran" and a chosen emblem, are non-transferable, and misuse could result in revocation of parking benefits. The bill requires the Motor Vehicle Commission to notify veterans about the plates through registration renewals and office signage.
This bill adds the Sons of The American Legion to a list of veteran organizations whose authorized representatives in New Jersey state, county, and municipal government jobs can receive paid leave to attend conventions. It modifies existing law (R.S.38:23-2) to include this group while removing two outdated organizations from the list. Public employees representing eligible groups may take up to five paid days annually for convention attendance, including travel time, but unused leave expires each year. The change directly affects government workers serving as official representatives for these veteran organizations.
This bill exempts honorably discharged veterans who own passenger vehicles (not for hire) from New Jersey's motor vehicle registration fees. It directly affects eligible veterans residing in New Jersey, requiring them to provide proof of honorable discharge to qualify. The Motor Vehicle Commission Chief Administrator and the Adjutant General will establish application procedures and documentation requirements, while the Adjutant General must notify eligible veterans about the exemption. The exemption becomes effective six months after enactment, with administrative actions permitted in advance for implementation.
