Veterans (Veteran Education)

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

A 636: Exempts qualified veterans from paying certain firearm related fees.

Bill A 636 exempts qualified veterans from paying certain fees when applying for handgun permits or firearm purchaser identification cards in New Jersey. It directly affects veterans who meet eligibility criteria under the bill, removing the fee requirement currently imposed on applicants under N.J.S.2C:58-3. The key provision amends statutes to eliminate the fee that retail dealers may charge for processing firearm permit or identification card transactions. This is a concrete policy change, not a procedural measure, as it modifies the fee structure for veterans seeking firearm-related permits. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExempts veterans from firearm permit fees, providing direct cost benefit for state service access related to veterans' rights.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 12, 2026

SCR 99: Proposes constitutional amendment to increase amount of annual veterans' property tax deduction from $250 to $1,250.

SCR 99 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase New Jersey's annual property tax deduction for veterans from $250 to $1,250. This change would directly affect honorably discharged veterans and their surviving spouses who are New Jersey residents, applying to property tax bills starting in 2024. The amendment specifies that if a veteran's tax bill is less than $1,250, the tax would be fully canceled. It maintains existing provisions for service-connected disabilities and surviving spouses, and clarifies how deductions apply to veterans living in continuing care retirement communities. The bill must be approved by the legislature and ratified by voters to become law.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases veterans' property tax deduction from $250 to $1,250, providing direct tax relief. Aligns with support indicator of tax relief for eligible groups.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransIncreases veterans' property tax deduction from $250 to $1,250, directly expanding financial benefits for honorably discharged veterans and surviving spouses.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits Veteran Education

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

A 215: Requires public schools to provide age-appropriate information to students in grades nine through 12 on United States military and veterans.

This bill (A 215) requires New Jersey public schools with grades 9-12 to hold two annual events. First, a 30-minute assembly in November (coinciding with Veterans Day) providing age-appropriate content about the U.S. military structure, veterans' contributions, ROTC, and service academies. Second, a separate veterans appreciation event, such as honoring veterans, featuring veteran speakers, or participating in military-focused educational activities. Schools must consult local veterans' associations to help plan the appreciation event. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment for the first full school year after passage.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates new curriculum content on military/veterans for grades 9-12, enhancing student educational programs through required assemblies and events.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransMandates schools to educate students on veterans' contributions and hold appreciation events, directly recognizing service per topic description.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Education

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

A 2363: Requires public institutions of higher education to waive or reimburse application fees and transcript fees for veterans and members of military.

This bill requires New Jersey's public colleges and universities to waive or refund application fees and transcript fees for veterans, active-duty military members, reservists, and New Jersey National Guard members who live in the state and are admitted. It directly affects these eligible military-affiliated individuals and public higher education institutions. The key provision mandates that institutions cover these specific costs instead of charging them during the application process. The policy takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationWaives application/transcript fees for military-affiliated students, expanding access to public higher education institutions.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill waives application/transcript fees for veterans at public colleges, directly expanding educational benefits and reducing financial barriers for veterans.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education National Guard & Reserve Veteran Education

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

A 1444: Establishes hiring preference for veterans for teaching positions.

This bill requires New Jersey public school boards to give hiring preference to veterans for teaching positions when veterans are equally qualified as non-veteran candidates in all measurable criteria (such as experience, certifications, and qualifications). It directly affects veterans applying for teaching jobs in most school districts, ensuring they receive preference only if their qualifications match other candidates exactly. The law does not apply to approximately nine school districts that follow the Civil Service system (Title 11A), as those districts' existing rules supersede this bill for classified employees. The preference applies immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates hiring preference for veterans in teaching roles when equally qualified, supporting teacher recruitment and expanding educator diversity within public schools.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransMandates hiring preference for veterans in teaching roles when equally qualified, directly supporting veteran employment opportunities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Education Veteran Employment Veteran Healthcare

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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 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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