This bill creates a grant program to help homeless veterans in Atlantic, Cape May, and Cumberland counties by funding the development of shelters. Counties must apply for grants by proposing specific locations and offering property for the state to build and operate shelters. Grants are available only if the legislature appropriates funds and are awarded based on criteria set by the state's Adjutant General. The program aims to improve access to shelter services for homeless veterans who face geographic barriers in southern New Jersey.
This bill updates New Jersey's tuition policy to ensure veterans and eligible family members (spouses or children) who qualify for federal education benefits continue to pay in-state tuition rates during public health emergencies requiring remote learning. It applies when veterans or covered individuals live outside New Jersey temporarily while attending public colleges in New Jersey through remote instruction. The policy change extends the existing NJTEAM Act, which already provides in-state tuition to qualifying veterans residing in New Jersey, to cover temporary out-of-state stays during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. This directly affects veterans and their families using federal education benefits who face forced relocation due to health-related campus closures.
This bill increases paid military leave for New Jersey public employees serving in U.S. military Reserves from 30 to 90 work days per year. It directly affects state, county, school district, and municipal employees who are members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps Reserves, or affiliated National Guard units. The key change allows these employees to take up to 90 paid work days for federal active duty, with any additional days provided without pay. Local employers can seek state reimbursement for costs incurred under this policy through the State Treasurer’s office. The change aligns benefits for out-of-state Reserve members with those already provided to New Jersey National Guard members.
This bill requires New Jersey public and independent colleges to provide academic accommodations for students serving in the National Guard, Reserves, or active duty military. It gives students who miss classes due to military obligations (like deployments or drills) options to receive a pass/fail grade, incomplete, or withdrawal - plus refunds for tuition and fees if they withdraw. Institutions must notify students of these rights, create written contracts with professors to address missed coursework, and provide accommodations like lecture notes or tutoring. Additionally, schools must accept up to 30 college credits for undergraduate military experience (and 12 for graduate programs) based on American Council on Education evaluations. The law directly affects student veterans and military-affiliated learners enrolled in New Jersey higher education.
This bill requires New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to offer small business loans with lower interest rates and more flexible repayment terms to veteran-owned small businesses. Specifically, it mandates that businesses where over 50% of employees are veterans receive more favorable terms, and zero-percent interest rates apply to businesses owned by veterans with service-connected disabilities. The bill also prohibits the EDA from charging application, commitment, closing, or guarantee fees for these veteran-owned businesses. These provisions apply to loans issued through the EDA's existing small business loan program.
This bill streamlines EMT-Basic certification in New Jersey for veterans who served as Combat Army Medics or Navy Hospital Corpsmen (or equivalent roles). It allows eligible veterans to bypass standard training requirements if they hold a current National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certification, have served in those specific military roles, and pass a background check. The bill also requires the Department of Health to publish clear online guidance about these streamlined requirements. This directly affects honorably discharged veterans with qualifying military medical experience seeking EMT certification.
This bill clarifies and updates New Jersey's jury duty rules for military members by repealing an outdated law (N.J.S.38A:4-6) and adding a new requirement to the main jury service statute (N.J.S.2B:20-10). It allows active-duty military, reserve, or National Guard members to be excused from jury service if they submit a certification from their command confirming they are unavailable due to deployment or duty assignments. The court must verify this certification before granting the excuse, replacing a previous exemption that lacked verification. This change ensures military members can be excused without relying on an unverified process, directly affecting service members summoned for jury duty.
This bill (A 2277) provides school enrollment flexibility for military-connected students in New Jersey. It requires school districts to waive residency time requirements, give enrollment preference, and guarantee admission regardless of capacity if military orders are provided. The bill directly affects students dependent on active-duty service members, National Guard members, veterans, or civilian military employees (as defined in Section 1b). Key provisions include maintaining enrollment in the original district during relocation, options for 11th graders to stay until graduation, and access to military installation schools within 10 days of arrival. The law aims to reduce enrollment barriers caused by frequent military relocations.
This bill creates a $2 million home purchase grant program for New Jersey veterans who served at least 90 days in federal active duty. It directly affects eligible veterans meeting three criteria: NJ residency, intent to buy a NJ primary residence, and proof of qualifying military service. The program provides up to $10,000 in matching grants (dollar-for-dollar) to cover closing costs, equity payments, or other home purchase expenses, with no income requirements. Veterans may also receive priority if eligible for other state homebuyer programs. The program is administered by the agency in coordination with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
This bill modifies rules for food and service stands (like newsstands or cafes) in New Jersey public buildings (state, county, and municipal). It requires that when a stand operated by a blind person becomes vacant:
- After 3 months, it must be offered to a "disabled person-owned business" (51%+ owned by people with disabilities).
- After 6 months, it must be offered to a "veteran-owned business" (51%+ owned by veterans).
- After 9 months, it becomes available to any licensed business.
No fees are charged to disabled or veteran-owned businesses for these permits, and priority reverts to the Commission for the Blind if a non-blind operator leaves.
