Veterans (Veteran Benefits)

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

A 411: Establishes price preference program on State contracts for service-disabled veteran-owned businesses.

This bill establishes a 10% price preference for service-disabled veteran-owned businesses when New Jersey state agencies award contracts paid with state funds. To qualify, a business must be independently owned, have its principal place in New Jersey, be at least 51% owned by service-disabled veterans, and have management controlled by disabled veterans (or their surviving spouses if the veteran dies). If a qualified business meets all contract requirements and becomes the lowest bidder after applying the 10% preference, the state must award them the contract. The bill also ensures surviving spouses retain eligibility if they acquire the business after the veteran owner's death.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransCreates 10% price preference for service-disabled veteran-owned businesses in state contracts, directly supporting veteran entrepreneurship and economic opportunities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Employment Veteran Healthcare

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

A 878: Authorizes "100 Percent Disabled Veteran" license plates for qualified veterans; entitles holders to handicapped parking privileges.

This bill, A 878, authorizes New Jersey to issue special "100 Percent Disabled Veteran" license plates to veterans who have a 100% disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It directly affects eligible veterans by granting them the same handicapped parking privileges as standard disabled parking placards, with no application fee. The plates must display the phrase "100 Percent Disabled Veteran" and a chosen emblem, are non-transferable, and misuse could result in revocation of parking benefits. The bill requires the Motor Vehicle Commission to notify veterans about the plates through registration renewals and office signage.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill authorizes special license plates with handicapped parking privileges for 100% disabled veterans, expanding access benefits and recognizing service without fees.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare

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

A 1687: Requires State Chief Diversity Officer to conduct study of utilization of disabled veteran-owned businesses in State procurement process.

This bill requires New Jersey's State Chief Diversity Officer to study whether disabled veteran-owned businesses are being used fairly in state government contracts. The study must determine if there's a gap between how many such businesses are available and how many actually receive state contracts, and it must be completed within 12 months. The officer will then submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature, and may later provide follow-up reports tracking progress on implementing those recommendations.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill mandates study to ensure fair procurement for disabled veteran-owned businesses, directly supporting veteran employment opportunities through state contracts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Employment

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

A 2806: Makes annual compensation paid to surviving spouses of certain blind or disabled veterans payable from date of veteran's death.

This bill changes when annual compensation for surviving spouses of eligible blind or disabled veterans begins. Currently, payments start from the date the spouse applies, which could be years after the veteran's death. The bill requires payments to start from the veteran's death date instead, including retroactive payments for spouses whose veterans died before April 9, 1985 (the date the benefit was first established). It applies to surviving spouses of veterans who were blinded or severely disabled due to wartime service, as defined in existing law. The change ensures spouses receive all accrued benefits from the veteran's death, regardless of when they file an application.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill ensures retroactive compensation from veteran's death date, expanding benefits for surviving spouses of blind/disabled veterans by eliminating application delay and covering pre-1985 cases.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare

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

ACR 88: Proposes constitutional amendment to allow veterans, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities who make payments in lieu of property taxes to receive certain property tax benefits.

ACR 88 proposes a constitutional amendment to New Jersey's property tax system, establishing a permanent $250 annual deduction for veterans, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. It extends the deduction to honorably discharged veterans, veterans with service-connected disabilities, and surviving spouses of veterans who died on active duty or were honorably discharged. The bill also clarifies that veterans living in continuing care retirement communities can receive the deduction through their community, which must pass it to them within 30 days. Additionally, it aligns the deduction amount ($250) and income threshold ($10,000 annually) for senior citizens (65+) and disabled residents with the veterans' deduction, ensuring consistent eligibility.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides permanent $250 property tax deduction for veterans/seniors/disabled, reducing tax burden for eligible groups - direct tax relief under Budget & Taxes.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransACR 88 establishes a permanent $250 annual property tax deduction specifically for veterans, including honorably discharged and service-connected veterans, directly expanding their benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Veteran Benefits

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

A 640: Exempts honorably discharged veterans from payment of passenger motor vehicle registration fee; requires notification of eligible motorists.

This bill exempts honorably discharged veterans who own passenger vehicles (not for hire) from New Jersey's motor vehicle registration fees. It directly affects eligible veterans residing in New Jersey, requiring them to provide proof of honorable discharge to qualify. The Motor Vehicle Commission Chief Administrator and the Adjutant General will establish application procedures and documentation requirements, while the Adjutant General must notify eligible veterans about the exemption. The exemption becomes effective six months after enactment, with administrative actions permitted in advance for implementation.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides tax relief by exempting veterans from vehicle registration fees, aligning with tax relief indicators for specific groups.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExempts veterans from vehicle registration fees, providing direct financial benefit and recognizing service through state-level policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Fees & Licensing Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits Veteran Education

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

A 278: Allows shore municipalities to provide spouse and dependent children of veterans free or reduced cost access to beaches.

This bill allows New Jersey shore municipalities to offer free or reduced beach access fees to the spouse and dependent children (over age 12) of veterans who were honorably discharged after at least 90 days of active duty or due to a service-connected injury/disability. It amends existing law, which already permits fee waivers for active military personnel, National Guard members, seniors, and others, by adding veterans to the eligible group. Municipalities are not required to adopt this policy but may choose to do so via local ordinance. Veterans can verify eligibility using standard documents like a DD-214 form or state veteran ID.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExpands veterans' family benefits by adding them to existing beach fee waiver program, directly advancing access to recreational services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Military Families Veteran Benefits Veteran Education

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 2, 2026

S 3273: Increases gross income tax deduction available to veterans from $6,000 to $12,000.

S 3273 increases New Jersey's tax deduction for eligible veterans from $6,000 to $12,000, directly affecting veterans honorably discharged from active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, National Guard, or reserve components. The bill amends the state's tax code to double the deduction amount available when calculating gross income tax liability. This change applies to taxable years beginning after the bill's enactment date. The deduction remains available to qualifying veterans regardless of other personal exemptions.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases tax deduction for veterans, reducing their tax liability - a direct tax relief measure aligning with support indicators for middle/lower income tax relief.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransDoubles tax deduction for veterans, expanding financial benefits directly addressing veterans' tax relief.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Employment

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passed · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 30, 2026

A 2380: Requires creation of license plates that allow disabled veterans to park in parking spots reserved for persons with disabilities.

This bill requires New Jersey to issue special license plates for veterans certified by the VA as having service-connected disabilities. The plates, displaying "Disabled Veteran" and a wheelchair symbol, allow these veterans to park in disability-reserved spaces without needing additional permits or placards. The plates are free, non-transferable, and must be displayed on the vehicle while parked. Misuse of the plates can result in revocation and forfeiture of the plate. The bill directly affects disabled veterans who meet federal VA certification criteria.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enables disabled veterans to park in reserved spaces without additional permits, enhancing transportation accessibility and safety under vehicle regulations.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill creates free license plates for disabled veterans to park in disability spaces without additional permits, directly expanding access and recognizing service-connected disabilities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Vehicle Registration Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare

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

A 3830: "Welcome Home Veterans Act"; requires MVC to provide veteran benefit information packets.

This bill requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to provide veteran benefit information packets to veterans when issuing a license or ID card that includes a veteran designation. The packets must include the NJ Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs Benefits Guide, the VA’s "Federal Benefits for Veterans" booklet, and resources for finding additional benefits. Information must be available in both physical copies at MVC offices and online. The law applies to initial licenses, renewals, probationary licenses, and veteran-designated ID cards. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransRequires MVC to provide veteran benefit packets with NJ and VA resources, facilitating access to existing benefits and services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare

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