Veterans in New Jersey | MyRepTracker

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 823: Eliminates shellfish license fee for veterans and active duty service members.

This bill eliminates the $10 recreational shellfish license fee for New Jersey residents who are honorably discharged veterans or active duty members of the U.S. military. Currently, New Jersey residents under 62 must pay this fee to harvest shellfish (like clams, oysters, and mussels) for non-commercial use, with a daily limit of 150 shellfish. The amendment modifies state law to add veterans and active duty service members to the existing exemption list that already includes residents aged 62+. The change applies only to recreational licenses, not commercial licenses, and takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1097: Concerns definition of veteran for civil service hiring preference.

This bill (NJ A1097) amends New Jersey's definition of "veteran" for civil service hiring preferences. It clarifies that veterans must provide evidence of service duration (typically 90 days for most conflicts, or 14 days for specific peacekeeping missions like Lebanon, Grenada, or Panama) to qualify for hiring preference, with exceptions for those with service-connected injuries or disabilities. The change directly affects veterans applying for state civil service jobs who must meet these updated service requirements and submit documentation to the Adjutant General. The bill focuses on defining eligibility criteria rather than creating new benefits. It is currently in committee review after introduction on January 13, 2026.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Employment Veteran Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 2, 2026

SCR 77: Proposes constitutional amendment to permit Legislature to extend eligibility to receive veterans' property tax deduction to surviving spouse of nonresident veteran in certain circumstances.

SCR 77 proposes a constitutional amendment to expand New Jersey's veterans' property tax deduction to surviving spouses of veterans who were not residents of the state at the time of the veteran's death. Currently, the deduction requires the surviving spouse to be a New Jersey resident, but this amendment would allow nonresident spouses to qualify if the veteran was a former New Jersey resident before enlisting and after being honorably discharged. The change would apply to surviving spouses living in New Jersey during their widowhood/widowerhood, maintaining the existing $250 annual deduction amount. This amendment requires voter approval after legislative passage and would modify Article VIII, Section I, paragraph 3 of the state constitution.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Property Tax

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1397: Requires Department of Treasury to update New Jersey Disparity Study every five years.

This bill (A1397) requires New Jersey's Department of Treasury to update the state's Disparity Study every five years, starting January 1, 2029. The study examines how well small, minority, women, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses are participating in state government contracts. The updates must track changes in these businesses' availability and use in state procurement. The requirement applies directly to the state's procurement system and the businesses seeking state contracts. The bill builds on the 2024 Disparity Study, mandating regular reviews to inform policy.

Topics ✓ Veterans

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1907: Allows property tax rebate for disabled veterans.

This bill would provide a property tax rebate to disabled veterans who own or rent their primary residence in New Jersey. It directly affects disabled veterans, including those experiencing financial hardship due to high property taxes and rental costs, as highlighted by the bill's findings (73% of NJ veterans have disabilities, with 518 homeless veterans in the state). The rebate is intended to help prevent homelessness and reduce financial burdens for this group. The bill defines key terms like "homestead" and "disabled veterans" but does not specify the rebate amount or exact eligibility calculations in the provided text. It is currently pending before the Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Property Tax Homelessness Property Taxes Renters Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Housing

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 629: Excludes military compensation of military personnel serving outside of this State from gross income tax.

This bill exempts specific military compensation from New Jersey's gross income tax for service members who are domiciled in New Jersey but stationed outside the state. It directly affects New Jersey-resident military personnel serving away from New Jersey, including active duty, reserve, and National Guard members on state active duty. The key provision amends the state tax code to exclude military pay received for service performed outside New Jersey, housing allowances, and mustering-out payments from taxable income. The exemption applies to taxable years ending after the bill's enactment, which took effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Income Tax National Guard & Reserve

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 19, 2026

S 3588: Creates New Jersey Cold War medal.

S 3588 creates a New Jersey Cold War medal to honor veterans who served honorably during the Cold War (Sept. 2, 1945-Dec. 31, 1991). It directly affects New Jersey residents or former residents who completed at least 180 days of service in the military or militia during that period and were honorably discharged. The bill establishes a process for veterans or their representatives to apply through the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs, requiring documentation like a DD Form 214, and creates a dedicated fund to cover the medal’s design and distribution. The medal may also be awarded posthumously to deceased veterans or those missing in action.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2415: Requires local government units to provide opportunities for military- or veteran- owned businesses to supply materials and services for projects receiving funding from NJ Infrastructure Bank.

This bill (A 2415) requires local governments receiving loans or guarantees from the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (NJIB) to establish programs ensuring military- or veteran-owned businesses (or their spouses) can compete for contracts supplying materials and services on infrastructure projects. It expands existing NJIB requirements - currently mandating programs for minority hiring and socially/economically disadvantaged contractors - to specifically include military/veteran-owned businesses. The key provision adds this new category to the affirmative action programs local governments must adopt for NJIB-funded projects. It does not set a specific contract percentage for these businesses, unlike the 10% requirement for disadvantaged businesses. The bill directly affects local governments and contractors working on NJIB-funded infrastructure projects.

Topics ✓ Transportation ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Veteran Employment

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 377: Increases regulation of State veterans' memorial homes.

This bill (A377) strengthens oversight of New Jersey's three State veterans' memorial homes (Menlo Park, Vineland, and Paramus) by requiring stricter operational standards. It mandates that home administrators have clinical long-term care experience, requires infection control plans and staff training on hygiene and protective equipment, and requires annual financial audits plus unannounced inspections. The bill directly affects the facilities' management and staff, focusing on improving healthcare safety and accountability. These provisions aim to ensure consistent, high-quality care through concrete regulatory measures rather than new funding or services.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Healthcare Veteran Housing

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3795: Prohibits public institution of higher education from charging tuition to student who is dependent child of veteran who died or is disabled as result of service-related injury.

This bill (A 3795) provides tuition-free enrollment in New Jersey public colleges for dependent children of veterans who died, are missing in action, or are totally disabled due to service-related injuries (as certified by the VA). It covers up to 60 credits for associate degrees and 120 credits for bachelor's degrees at public institutions. To qualify, students must be New Jersey residents, meet academic progress standards, apply for all other available financial aid (including federal VA benefits), and have classroom space available. The state will reimburse public colleges for waived tuition costs.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid Veteran Benefits Veteran Education

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