Establishes task force to study issues facing returning members of US Armed Forces, NJ National Guard, and reserve component of US Armed Forces; creates permanent commission to study various definitions related to veteran status.

New Jersey's A5489 establishes a temporary 13-member task force to study challenges faced by veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq deployments, including mental health, employment, and family support needs. The task force will examine current programs and develop recommendations for state action, requiring a final report within six months. It also creates a permanent five-member commission to review inconsistent definitions of "veteran," "disabled veteran," and related terms across state law, aiming to standardize eligibility criteria and submit annual reports. The bill directly affects active-duty service members, National Guard personnel, reservists, and their families by addressing barriers to support services.