Veterans (Veteran Healthcare)

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.

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.