Veterans

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

A 3839: Establishes legislative internship program for veterans.

This bill establishes a New Jersey legislative internship program for veterans, creating paid opportunities in public policy. It targets veterans who were honorably discharged within five years, served at or below E-5/O-3 pay grades, and have at least a 20% service-connected disability (or are Purple Heart recipients), excluding those with 20-year retirements. Veterans residing in New Jersey receive priority, and interns must complete a work period with a legislator’s district office, with potential extension at the legislator’s discretion. The program requires the state to seek federal funding (like the "Jobs for Veterans’ State Grants") and appropriate necessary state funds to operate.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransEstablishes paid veteran internships targeting eligible veterans, advancing employment opportunities in public policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Education Veteran Employment Veteran Housing

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

A 1909: Requires DHS to disregard certain federal pension benefits for veterans in making Medicaid eligibility determinations.

This New Jersey bill requires the Department of Human Services (DHS) to disregard certain federal pension benefits when determining Medicaid eligibility for veterans. It directly affects veterans who receive federal pensions but apply for Medicaid, as these pension payments would no longer count toward their income limit. The key provision amends existing Medicaid rules to exclude these specific benefits from income calculations during eligibility reviews. This change ensures veterans' pension income does not disqualify them from Medicaid coverage they otherwise qualify for under federal and state standards.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExcludes veterans' pension income from Medicaid eligibility calculations, expanding access to healthcare coverage for veterans who would otherwise be disqualified due to pension income.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExcludes veterans' federal pensions from Medicaid income calculations, increasing eligibility for healthcare benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare

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

A 108: Provides free tuition at public institutions of higher education for surviving spouses and dependent children of military personnel killed in performance of duties.

This bill provides free tuition at New Jersey public colleges and universities for dependent children and surviving spouses of military personnel killed while on duty. Eligible individuals must be New Jersey residents, enrolled full-time in undergraduate programs at designated institutions (like Rutgers, NJIT, or county colleges), and the state covers tuition costs not already covered by other scholarships or aid. Benefits are limited to eight years: from high school graduation for children or from the service member's death for surviving spouses. The program takes effect immediately for the 2020-2021 academic year.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides free tuition for military dependents at public colleges, expanding access to higher education funding and support.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransProvides free tuition for dependents of military personnel killed in duty, expanding educational benefits for veterans' families.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education Veteran Education

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

A 904: Establishes program in New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing for support of residency programs at veterans' memorial homes in New Jersey; appropriates $500,000.

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.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAppropriates $500,000 to fund nurse residency programs at veterans' homes, directly supporting healthcare workforce development and patient care access.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransFunds nurse residency programs at veterans' memorial homes with $500,000 appropriation to improve healthcare services for veterans.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Memorials & Recognition Veteran Housing

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 19, 2026

A 4111: Excludes veteran disability compensation from income qualification limits under homestead property tax reimbursement program.

This bill amends New Jersey's homestead property tax reimbursement program to exclude veteran disability compensation from the income calculation used for eligibility. Currently, veterans receiving disability compensation may be disqualified if that income pushes their total income over the program's limit. The bill changes the law so that veteran disability compensation is not counted toward the income threshold, allowing more veterans to qualify for the tax reimbursement. It directly affects veterans who own a homestead in New Jersey and receive disability compensation.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExcludes veteran disability pay from income calculation, expanding eligibility for property tax reimbursement, providing tax relief to veterans.92% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExcludes veteran disability income from tax program eligibility, increasing access to housing cost assistance for veterans.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExcludes veteran disability pay from income calculation, allowing more veterans to qualify for tax reimbursement program.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Property Taxes Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare

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

A 3509: Requires NJTA and SJTA to exempt certain disabled veterans from E-ZPass tolls.

This bill requires the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) and South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) to create a toll exemption program for disabled veterans using E-ZPass. It applies to veterans who own or lease a vehicle registered in New Jersey, display a "Disabled Vet" license plate (issued under P.L.1979, c.457), and maintain an active E-ZPass account. Veterans must first obtain the "Disabled Vet" license plate before applying for the toll exemption, and the authorities must approve all qualifying applications. The program exempts eligible disabled veterans from tolls on toll roads managed by NJTA and SJTA.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill mandates toll exemption for disabled veterans with 'Disabled Vet' plates, directly providing financial benefit and recognition through E-ZPass program.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 9, 2026

S 3436: "Combat to College Act"; grants priority course registration to military service members and veterans attending public institutions of higher education.

The "Combat to College Act" (S 3436) grants priority course registration at New Jersey public colleges and universities to military service members (on active duty) and veterans who live in New Jersey and attend these institutions. It defines "veteran" as someone honorably discharged from active duty and requires institutions to offer this priority using the same procedures applied to other student groups with registration preferences. The policy takes effect immediately for the first full academic year after enactment. This change directly affects New Jersey-resident military students and veterans seeking to enroll in public higher education courses.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands higher education access for veterans via priority course registration at public institutions, directly enhancing educational access for a specific group.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransGrants priority course registration to NJ veterans at public colleges, expanding educational benefits and support per bill's explicit provisions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Veteran Education Veteran Employment Veteran Mental Health

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

A 2808: Increases penalties for identity theft when victim is senior citizen or veteran.

This bill increases penalties for identity theft when the victim is a senior citizen (62+) or veteran. It elevates the offense level: a first offense against these vulnerable groups becomes a third-degree crime (previously fourth-degree), and repeat offenses become second-degree crimes (previously third-degree). The bill also raises penalties for cases involving multiple victims when at least one victim is a senior or veteran. These changes apply to all identity theft offenses under New Jersey law that cause financial harm or fraud.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases penalties for identity theft against vulnerable groups, raising offense levels - aligns with 'oppose' indicators of increasing mandatory sentences.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill elevates penalties for identity theft targeting veterans, strengthening legal protection against financial harm to this group.95% confidence

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

A 890: Allows municipalities to establish affordable housing preference for their residents.

This bill allows New Jersey municipalities to establish preferences for low- and moderate-income residents when allocating affordable housing units in new developments. Specifically, it permits municipalities to create a 50% preference for veterans who served in wartime or emergencies for affordable units, granting them priority during the first 90 days of a 120-day marketing period. The preference applies to units designated as affordable under municipal housing plans, with veterans placed on a special waiting list if units remain available after the initial period. This change directly affects veterans seeking affordable housing and gives municipalities new tools to implement housing preferences.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly enables municipalities to prioritize low/moderate-income residents and veterans for affordable housing units, directly increasing access to affordable housing through targeted allocation preferences.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill grants veterans 50% housing preference priority for 90 days, expanding access to affordable housing as a direct benefit.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Veteran Employment Veteran Housing

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 2, 2026

SR 63: Urges educational institutions in NJ to include veterans and active service members in discussions about military, military values, and leadership.

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.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly urges schools to include veterans in educational discussions to recognize their service and values, aligning with recognition indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Education Veteran Employment

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