N.J. Stat. § 38A:21-1 Short title.
38A:21-1. This act, N.J.S.38A:21-1 et al., shall be known and may be cited as the "New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs Act." L.2025, c.139, s.1.
N.J. Stat. tit. 38A, ch. 21
N.J. Stat. tit. 38A, ch. 21
in effectN.J. Stat. § 38A:21-2 Department of Veterans Affairs.
38A:21-2. There is established in the Executive Branch of the State government a principal department which shall be known as the Department of Veterans Affairs. L.2025, c.139, s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21-3 Definitions.
38A:21-3. As used in this act, N.J.S.38A:21-1 et al.: "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs; "Department" means the Department of Veterans Affairs established pursuant to this act; and "Veteran" means any person who has served in any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States for at least 90 days, except that if the term "veteran" is defined differently in any other provision of this act, any other statute, or in any federal statute, that definition shall be applicable for the purposes of those statutes. L.2025, c.139, s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21-4 Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
38A:21-4. The administrator and head of the department shall be a commissioner, who shall be known as the Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs and who shall be an honorably discharged veteran qualified by training and experience to perform the duties of the office. The commissioner shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate and shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor during the Governor's term of office and until the appointment and qualification of the commissioner's successor. The entire time of the commissioner shall be devoted to the duties of the office and the commissioner shall receive such salary as shall be provided by law. Any vacancy occurring in the office of the commissioner shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. L.2025, c.139, s.4.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21-5 Functions, powers, duties, Department of Veterans Affairs commissioner.
38A:21-5. The commissioner, as head of the department, shall have all of the functions, powers, and duties heretofore vested in the Administrator of Veterans Affairs of the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs, previously designated in N.J.S.38A:3-2, and shall have, in addition, the functions, powers, and duties vested in the commissioner by this act, N.J.S.38A:21-1 et al., or by any other law, which are as follows: a. Administer the work of the department; b. Appoint and remove officers and other personnel employed within the department, subject to the provisions of Title 11A of the New Jersey Statutes and other applicable statutes, except as herein otherwise specifically provided; c. Have authority to organize and maintain an administrative division and to assign to employment therein secretarial, clerical, and other assistants in the department's or the commissioner's office as the internal operations of the department may require, in accordance with Title 11A of the New Jersey Statutes; d. Perform, exercise, and discharge the functions, powers, and duties of the department through such divisions as may be established by this act or otherwise by law; e. Organize the work of the department in divisions, not inconsistent with the provisions of this act, and in bureaus and other organizational units as the commissioner may determine to be necessary for efficient and effective operation; f. Adopt, issue, and promulgate, in the name of the department, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), such rules and regulations as may be necessary to implement this act or as may be authorized by law; g. Formulate and adopt rules and regulations for the efficient conduct of the work and general administration of the department, its officers, and its employees; h. Institute, or cause to be instituted, legal proceedings or processes as may be necessary to properly enforce and give effect to any of the commissioner's powers or duties; i. Coordinate the activities of the department, and the other divisions and agencies therein, in a manner designed to eliminate overlapping and duplicative functions; j. Integrate within the department, so far as practicable, all staff services of the department and of the other divisions and agencies therein; k. Have access to all relevant files and records of other State agencies and require any officer or employee therein to provide information as necessary to assist in performing the functions of the department, subject to any privacy laws; l. Maintain suitable headquarters for the department and such other quarters as the commissioner shall deem necessary to the proper functioning of the department; m. Encourage and facilitate the registration of each service member residing in New Jersey with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or its successor agency. Registration shall take place, as appropriate, when the service member returns from deployment on federal active duty, or is discharged, or as soon as possible thereafter. The term "service member" shall mean members of the New Jersey National Guard and members of the United States Armed Forces, or a Reserve component thereof, when the information on each member is made available to the department; n. Develop and coordinate a volunteer-based program comprised of former service members to assist and mentor veterans who become involved with the criminal justice system, while criminal proceedings are pending and afterward, with accessing assistance to resolve the underlying problems that led or contributed to the veteran's involvement with the criminal justice system, including, but not limited to, offering support and guidance, securing housing, employment linkages, job training, education, transportation, disability compensation claims, discharge status, health care, and other linkages available at the local, State, and federal level that can ease the challenge of reentry into civilian life. In addition, the commissioner shall develop a registry of volunteer mentors and make the registry available pursuant to P.L.2017, c.42 (C.2C:43-23 et al.); o. Prepare and disseminate a directory of Veterans Diversion Resource Program entities currently available within New Jersey pursuant to P.L.2017, c.42 (C.2C:43-23 et al.); p. Create a comprehensive public webpage for Gold Star family members that includes, but is not limited to, the following information: State benefits, State and county liaisons, a list of service members from New Jersey killed in action, links to other Gold Star family organizations, and such other information and resources as the commissioner deems necessary and beneficial to a Gold Star family member. A "Gold Star family member" means the spouse, domestic partner, partner in a civil union, parent, brother, sister, child, legal guardian, or other legal custodian, whether of the whole or half blood, or by adoption, of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard who died while on active duty for the United States; q. Maintain a regional network of Veteran Service Offices to assist veterans and their dependents with information and guidance in filing claims and to assist with employment, education, burial, counseling, housing, social and medical services, and other areas of concern to veterans and their families, as well as provide advice and support to veterans re-entering civilian life; r. Perform such other functions as may be prescribed in this act or by any other law; s. Have the authority and endeavor to provide current information to veterans and their families on State and federal veterans’ programs and benefits via a mobile application that includes, but is not limited to, information regarding veterans’ legal rights, benefits, medical and insurance issues, education, housing, the transition from active to civilian life, and other support assistance and resources available to veterans and their families; and t. Use the electronic notification provided pursuant to paragraph (11) of subsection b. of section 16 of P.L.2003, c.221 (C.26:8-24.1) to transmit information to a qualified veterans’ organization, as defined in subsection b. of section 2 of P.L.1983, c.385 (C.26:7-18.2), who may in turn contact the funeral home to request information as to whether those cremains have been claimed. In the event a funeral home advises that the cremains of a veteran, or the cremains of an eligible spouse or eligible dependent of a veteran, have not been claimed, the funeral home may release the remains to the qualified veterans’ organization consistent with the requirements of subsection b. of section 2 of P.L.1983, c.385 (C.26:7-18.2) and section 2 of P.L.2009, c.14 (C.38A:3-2b4). L.2025, c.139, s.5; amended 2025, c.292; 2025, c.340, s.4.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21-6 Reference to Adjutant General deemed reference to Commissioner, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Veterans Affairs, other areas; transference.
38A:21-6. a. References in the following to the Adjutant General and the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs shall be deemed to mean and refer to the Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Veterans Affairs: R.S.38:20-3 concerning educational grants for war orphans; section 2 of P.L.1999, c.276 (C.34:1B-176) concerning information for veterans on the assistance programs of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority; section 44 of P.L.2003, c.79 (C.27:23-47) concerning the maintenance of the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial; section 2 of P.L.1999, c.92 (C.54A:9-25.16) concerning the Korean Veterans' Memorial Fund; section 3 of P.L.2003, c.105 (C.26:2H-94) concerning certain health care facilities; section 2 of P.L.2005, c.59 (C.38A:3-2.5) concerning the World War II Memorial Commission; P.L.1988, J.R. No. 20 concerning placards bearing the designation “Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery;” section 2 of P.L.1989, c.334 (C.18A:73-20.3) concerning collections by the New Jersey State Museum; section 1 of P.L.2001, c.302 (C.18A:7C-4.1) concerning the "Operation Recognition" program; section 16 of P.L.1974, c.30 (C.19:31-6.4) concerning voter registration forms; and section 1 of P.L.1999, c.120 (C.27:1A-5.16) concerning the Blue Star Memorial Highway Council. b. The veterans' loan authority, established pursuant to P.L.1944, c.126 (C.38:23B-1 et seq.), together with all its functions, powers, and duties, is transferred to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Veterans' Services Council, established pursuant to P.L.1948, c.448 (C.13:1B-20 et seq.), together with all its functions, powers, and duties, is transferred to the Department of Veterans Affairs. c. References in section 4 of P.L.2001, c.246 (C.App.A:9-67) concerning the Domestic Security Preparedness Task Force and section 24 of P.L.2005, c.222 (C.26:13-24) concerning the State Public Health Emergency Claim Reimbursement Board to the Adjutant General of the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs shall be deemed to mean and refer to the Adjutant General of the Department of Military Affairs. d. Whenever any statute shall refer to veterans' matters in the Department of Veterans Services and Defense, the same shall mean and refer to the Department of Veterans Affairs. e. Whenever, in any law, rule, regulation, order, contract, document, judicial or administrative proceeding or otherwise, reference is made to the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs, the same shall mean and refer to the Department of Veterans Affairs. L.2025, c.139, s.68.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21-7 Transfers made, State Agency Transfer Act, Department of Veterans Affairs.
38A:21-7. The transfers made by this act, N.J.S.38A:21-1 et al., shall be made in accordance with the "State Agency Transfer Act," P.L.1971, c. 375 (C.52:14D-1 et seq.). The programs developed within the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs prior to the effective date of this act shall be continued and transferred to the Department of Veterans Affairs in accordance with, or as provided by, this act. The councils and commissions, together with all their functions, powers, and duties, are continued and transferred from the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs to the Department of Veterans Affairs in accordance with, and as provided by, this act. This act shall not affect the terms of office of the members of the councils and commissions serving on the effective date. L.2025, c.139, s.69.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21-8 Deputy commissioner, Department of Veterans Affairs.
38A:21-8. The commissioner shall appoint at least one deputy commissioner who shall be designated to perform all of the powers, functions, and duties of the commissioner during the absence or disability of the commissioner, and who shall perform such other duties as are assigned by the commissioner. The deputy commissioner shall be an honorably discharged veteran qualified by training and experience to perform the duties of the office. L.2025, c.139, s.6.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21-9 Financial planning assistance program, disabled veterans, caregivers, Department of Veterans Affairs.
38A:21-9. The Department of Veterans Affairs, through its regional network of Veteran Service Offices, shall establish a financial planning assistance program for disabled veterans and their caregivers. The purpose of the program shall be to assist disabled veterans and their caregivers with planning for the financial burdens that may arise when a veteran is disabled and needs assistance with daily care and activities including, but not limited to, bathing, dressing, meal preparation, assistance with mobility, housekeeping, shopping, and driving or transportation. "Caregiver" means a spouse, parent, child, relative, or other person who is 18 years of age or older and who has the primary responsibility of providing daily care for the eligible veteran. "Disabled veteran" means any citizen and resident of this State now or hereafter honorably discharged or released under honorable circumstances from active service in any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States, a Reserve component thereof, or the National Guard and who has been or shall be declared by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, or its successor, to have a service-connected disability. L.2025, c.139, s.7.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21-10 Federal grants, Department of Veterans Affairs.
38A:21-10. The commissioner may apply for and accept on behalf of the State any grants from the federal government or any agency thereof, or from any foundation, corporation, association, or individual, and may comply with the terms, conditions, and limitations thereof, for any purposes of the department. Any money so received may be expended by the department, subject to any limitations imposed in such grants, to effect any of the purposes of the department, as the case may be, upon warrant of the Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting in the Department of the Treasury on vouchers certified and approved by the commissioner. The power herein granted shall be in addition to, and shall in no way limit the authority granted to the commissioner by, this act, N.J.S.38A:21-1 et al., or any other existing law. L.2025, c.139, s.8.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21-11 Department of Veterans Affairs, principal functions.
38A:21-11. The department shall administer the following principal functions: a. The supervision and operation of State veterans' memorial homes and cemeteries; b. The supervision and operation of the liaison office and the field offices which serve the federal Veterans' Affairs Medical Centers; c. The application for federal grants and programs; d. The administration of federally funded training and rehabilitation programs; and e. The provision of current information to the general public on State and federal veterans' programs and benefits. Nothing in this section shall be construed as affecting or derogating from any provision of law giving functions, powers, and duties in these areas to other departments or agencies or as giving additional functions, powers, and duties to the commissioner or the department. L.2025, c.139, s.9.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21-12 Determining person seeking to be considered a veteran, disabled veteran.
38A:21-12. The Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs shall determine whether any person seeking to be considered a "veteran" or a "disabled veteran" under N.J.S.11A:5-1, N.J.S.18A:66-2, section 6 of P.L.1954, c.84 (C.43:15A-6) or section 1 of P.L.1983, c.391 (C.43:16A-11.7), meets the criteria set forth therein and shall be considered a veteran or disabled veteran, as appropriate, for the purposes of these laws. The commissioner shall adjudicate an appeal from any person disputing the decision of the commissioner as to whether a person is to be considered a veteran or disabled veteran, as appropriate, for the purposes of these laws. The commissioner shall promptly notify the public entity responsible for administering each such law of the determination of the commissioner, and the determination shall be binding on such public entities. L.2025, c.139, s.10.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21-13 Department of Veterans Affairs personnel.
38A:21-13. The personnel of the Department of Veterans Affairs shall consist of the following classes of employees: a. Classified civil service employees. b. Unclassified civil service employees, who may be relieved, suspended, or discharged for good cause. Such personnel shall be administered as far as practicable under similar regulations as those applicable to classified civil service. L.2025, c.139, s.11.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21-14 Department of Veterans Affairs, annual budget.
38A:21-14. a. The department shall submit its annual budget request directly to the Governor and the State Treasurer. b. The commissioner may demand and receive, for the services of the department, except for establishment of veteran status, such fees as the commissioner shall determine. The commissioner shall keep a true record and account of fees received on behalf of the department pursuant to this section and shall pay the same into the State Treasury in the manner prescribed by law. L.2025, c.139, s.12.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21-15 Department of Veterans Affairs, appropriate seal.
38A:21-15. The commissioner shall have an appropriate seal and have affixed an impression of the same to all certificates of record issued from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Copies of any books, records, papers, and documents in the Department of Veterans Affairs certified by the commissioner or other designated officer of the department, under seal of the Department of Veterans Affairs, shall be admitted as evidence in any court of the State, either civil or military, with the same force and effect as if the original had been produced. L.2025, c.139, s.13.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21-16 Department of Veterans Affairs, administrative services.
38A:21-16. The department, through its divisions, shall administer veteran: a. administrative services; b. loans, grants, and services; and c. training, information, and referrals. L.2025, c.139, s.14.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21-17 Salary established by commissioner, with approval, Department of Veterans Affairs.
38A:21-17. a. A director of a division in the department shall receive such salary as may be established by the commissioner with the approval of the Civil Service Commission and the Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting in the Department of the Treasury. b. In the event that a director is appointed from persons holding positions in the career service of the State, the director shall retain, during tenure in such position, any rights or protections provided to that person by Title 11A, Civil Service, of the New Jersey Statutes or any pension law or retirement system. L.2025, c.139, s.15.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21-18 Department of Veterans Affairs, divisions, memorial services.
38A:21-18. The department, through its divisions, shall: a. supervise and operate all New Jersey Veterans' Memorial Homes, including: the New Jersey Veterans' Memorial Home-Menlo Park; the New Jersey Veterans' Memorial Home-Vineland; and the New Jersey Veterans' Memorial Home-Paramus; b. supervise and operate all New Jersey Veterans’ Memorial Cemeteries, including the New Jersey Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Arneytown; and c. supervise and operate all veterans’ homeless shelter facilities owned by the State, including Veterans Haven North and Veterans Haven South. L.2025, c.139, s.16.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21-19 Division under supervision of qualified director, Department of Veterans Affairs.
38A:21-19. Any division established or created by the commissioner shall be under the immediate supervision of a director who shall be qualified by training and experience to direct the work of the division. Preference shall be given to honorably discharged veterans qualified by training and experience to perform the duties of the division. The director shall be appointed by the commissioner and shall serve at the pleasure of the commissioner. L.2025, c.139, s.17.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21-20 Drug testing, direct care staff member, veterans' memorial home.
38A:21-20. a. As a condition of employment as a direct care staff member at a New Jersey veterans’ memorial home, an applicant for employment shall consent to and undergo drug testing for controlled dangerous substances as provided in subsection f. of this section. The drug testing shall be at the expense of the applicant. If a person applying for employment at a New Jersey veterans’ memorial home on or after April 16, 2020 tests positive for the unlawful use of any controlled dangerous substance, or refuses to submit to drug testing, the person shall be removed from consideration for employment. b. A person who is employed at a New Jersey veterans’ memorial home as a direct care staff member shall be subject to random drug testing for controlled dangerous substances performed at such intervals as the commissioner deems appropriate. The commissioner shall annually perform random drug tests on 100 direct care staff members. c. A person who is employed at a New Jersey veterans’ memorial home as a direct care staff member may be required to undergo drug testing for controlled dangerous substances if the employee's immediate supervisor has reasonable suspicion to believe that the employee is illegally using a controlled dangerous substance, based on the employee's visible impairment or professional misconduct, which relates adversely to patient care or safety. The supervisor shall report this information to the immediate supervisor in a form and manner specified by the commissioner, and if the supervisor concurs that there is reasonable suspicion to believe that an employee is illegally using a controlled dangerous substance, that supervisor shall notify the chief executive officer of the New Jersey veterans’ memorial home, or other executive level officer of the veterans’ memorial home designated by the commissioner, and request approval in writing for ordering the employee to undergo drug testing. Drug testing of an employee shall not be ordered without the written approval of the chief executive officer or other executive level officer designated by the commissioner. d. An employee who tests positive for the unlawful use of any controlled dangerous substance may be referred to employee advisory services or terminated from employment, as applicable, based on the employee's job title. An employee who refuses to submit to drug testing shall be terminated from employment. In all cases, however, the employee shall retain any available right of review by the Civil Service Commission. e. The drug testing required pursuant to subsections b. and c. of this section shall be at the expense of the Department of Veterans Affairs. f. Drug testing shall be performed by an outside drug testing facility in a manner prescribed by the commissioner. g. The commissioner shall notify all affected employees of New Jersey veterans’ memorial homes of the provisions of this section. h. As used in this section, "direct care staff member" means a: Human Services Technician; Human Services Assistant; physician; psychiatrist; dentist; psychologist; nurse; nurse assistant; physical, occupational, or speech therapist; social worker; and any other staff member employed by a veterans’ memorial home who provides direct care to a resident at the facility, as determined by the commissioner. i. Pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), the commissioner shall adopt rules and regulations necessary to effectuate the purposes of this section, including, but not limited to, those rules and regulations necessary to ensure the confidentiality of the person undergoing drug testing, and that drug test results are not reported to law enforcement authorities. L.2025, c.139, s.18.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21-21 Transfer of remains, Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans' Memorial Cemetery.
38A:21-21. The department shall establish a program to oversee the transfer of the remains of veterans from paupers' or potters' cemeteries to the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans' Memorial Cemetery at the request of the veterans' next-of-kin, friends, or fellow veterans. This service shall be provided without cost to the requester. As part of this program, the department shall also inform the general public that this service is available and explain the procedure for requesting that the remains be transferred to the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans' Memorial Cemetery. L.2025, c.139, s.19.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21-22 Qualified veterans' organization, right to receive cremains.
38A:21-22. a. A funeral director, licensed pursuant to P.L.1952, c.340 (C.45:7-32 et seq.), shall grant a qualified veterans' organization, as defined in subsection b. of section 2 of P.L.1983, c.385 (C.26:7-18.2), the right to receive the cremains of a veteran, or the cremains of an eligible spouse or eligible dependent of a veteran, which have not been claimed by a relative or friend of the deceased within one year after cremation upon certification, to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of Health, that a diligent effort, as defined in subsection a. of section 2 of P.L.1983, c.385 (C.26:7-18.2), has been made to identify, locate, and notify a relative or friend of the deceased within that one-year period, as provided under section 2 of P.L.1983, c.385 (C.26:7-18.2). A qualified veterans' organization which takes possession of cremains pursuant to this section shall dispose of the cremains by scattering them at sea or by interring them on land in a dignified manner at the State-operated Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, a State-operated veterans' memorial cemetery, a national veterans' memorial cemetery, or a local veterans’ memorial cemetery, if the individual is eligible for interment at those facilities. b. A funeral home or mortuary, or an agent of the funeral home or mortuary, a funeral director, or a qualified veterans' organization shall not be liable for damages in any civil action arising out of the disposal of cremains pursuant to this section unless the damages are the result of gross negligence or willful misconduct. L.2025, c.139, s.20.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21-23 Department of Veterans Affairs, services, blind, paraplegic, hemiplegic.
38A:21-23. The department, through its divisions, shall: a. administer the Blind Veterans' Allowance Program established pursuant to R.S.38:18-1 et seq.; b. administer the Paraplegic and Hemiplegic Allowance Program established pursuant to P.L.1947, c.263 (C.38:18A-1 et seq.); c. maintain a continuous liaison with the Association of Blind Veterans and other similar State and national veterans' associations and organizations; d. provide all necessary assistance to the Agent Orange Commission upon request; e. administer the veterans' loan authority established pursuant to P.L.1944, c.126 (C.38:23B-1 et seq.); f. supervise and operate the liaison and field offices which serve the federal Veterans' Administration Centers at Lyons and East Orange; g. compete for all grants, private and federal, that would fund programs to benefit the State's veterans and their dependents; and h. administer State tuition assistance programs for veterans and their dependents established pursuant to the provisions of chapter 71 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes. L.2025, c.139, s.21.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21-24 Department of Veterans Affairs, services, outreach, rehabilitation, educational programs.
38A:21-24. The department, through its divisions, shall: a. administer the operations of the Vietnam Veterans' Outreach Program; b. administer all federal and State training and rehabilitation programs not administered by other State departments; c. provide current information to the general public on federal and State veterans' programs and benefits; and d. provide a continuous liaison between the department, the Department of Education, and the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education to insure that veterans or their dependents seeking to apply for educational programs for veterans or their dependents are referred to the appropriate State office and provided with the information, forms, and assistance necessary to apply for those programs. L.2025, c.139, s.22.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21-25 Commission on Women Veterans.
38A:21-25. a. There is created in the Department of Veterans Affairs the Commission on Women Veterans. The commission shall work in collaboration with other State agencies and appropriate groups to study and review the needs, priorities, programs, and policies relating to women veterans, including, but not limited to, housing, health care, job training, and outreach. The commission shall ensure that all service providers and citizens are aware of the needs and services available to women veterans and make recommendations for community education and training programs. The commission shall provide outreach in conjunction with the Department of Veterans Affairs and other organizations to educate and recruit prospective veterans. b. The commission shall consist of 15 members who are New Jersey residents. The Governor shall appoint 12 members and, of the 12 appointed, nine shall be women. There shall be appointed one representative from each of the following branches of military service who may also be affiliated with an organization named below: the Army, the Air Force, the Coast Guard, the Marines, and the Navy. There shall also be appointed by the Governor: one representative from the Veterans of Foreign Wars, one representative from the American Legion, one representative from the Disabled American Veterans, one representative from the American Veterans, one representative from the New Jersey Army National Guard, one representative from the New Jersey Air National Guard, and one representative from the Military Order of the Purple Heart. The Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development, and the Director of the Division on Women in the Department of Children and Families, or their respective designees, shall serve as ex-officio members. c. The public members shall serve for terms of three years and until the appointment and qualification of their successors, except that of the initial appointment of public members, four shall be appointed for a term of three years, four shall be appointed for a term of two years, and four shall be appointed for a term of one year. If any public member discontinues affiliation with the respective veterans' organization, the member shall immediately resign membership with the commission. Any vacancy in the membership of the commission shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments are made. d. The members of the commission shall serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for necessary and reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their duties within the limits of funds appropriated or otherwise made available to the commission for its purposes. e. The commission shall organize as soon as may be practicable after the appointment of a majority of its members and shall select from among its members a chairperson and a vice chairperson, who shall be responsible for the coordination of all activities of the commission. The members shall select a secretary, who need not be a member of the commission. f. The commission shall meet at the call of the chairperson and hold hearings at such places as it shall designate. A meeting of the commission may also be called upon the request of eight of the commission members, and eight members of the commission shall constitute a quorum at any meeting thereof. The commission shall meet not less than quarterly. g. The commission may conduct public hearings at such places and at such times as it shall designate, at which it may solicit the testimony of interested persons, groups, and the general public. h. The commission shall be entitled to call to its assistance and avail itself of the services of such employees of any State, county, or municipal department, board, bureau, commission, or agency as it may require and as may be available to it for its purposes. The Department of Veterans Affairs shall provide such organizational and personnel support as the commission may request. i. The commission shall prepare and submit an initial report to the Governor, the Legislature, pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), and the Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs. j. The commission shall prepare and submit annual reports containing its findings, activities, and recommendations, including any recommendations for administrative and legislative action that it deems appropriate, to the Governor, the Legislature, and the Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The commission shall periodically advise the Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs on its activities, findings, and recommendations. L.2025, c.139, s.52.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21-26 Registry of organizations providing services to military veterans.
38A:21-26. a. The Department of Veterans Affairs shall create and maintain a registry of all organizations that provide services to military veterans. The registry shall be prominently displayed, and organized topically, on a public webpage of the department to provide a comprehensive listing of organizations with services addressing the needs of veterans. The department shall actively seek out organizations to include on the registry, and organizations may also voluntarily submit requests to be included on the registry. The department shall conduct a review of any organization prior to the organization's inclusion on the registry and the department may, in its discretion, refuse to include an organization on the registry or remove an organization from the registry if the department determines that the organization's services do not reflect the purpose of the registry. Inclusion on the registry shall not be construed to be an endorsement of an organization by the department or State. b. As used in this section, "organizations that provide services to veterans" includes any organization, not for profit or otherwise, exclusively providing services to veterans or primarily providing services to veterans or any organization that provides services to a variety of recipients including veterans. L.2025, c.139, s.53.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21-27 Veterans Haven North Council, Veterans Haven South Council.
38A:21-27. a. There is created within the Department of Veterans Affairs two advisory councils to be known as Veterans Haven North Council and Veterans Haven South Council. The Veterans Haven North Council shall represent the northern facility and the Veterans Haven South Council shall represent the southern facility. The two councils shall have joint meetings no less than once each calendar year. Each council shall consist of eight members, at least five of whom shall be veterans, and shall include no less than two women. A Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs, or a designee, shall serve as a nonvoting ex-officio member on each council. Each member shall be appointed by the commissioner. The term of each council member shall be three years, except that, of the first appointments, two shall be for a term of one year, two for a term of two years, and three for a term of three years. At no time shall a member be allowed to serve more than two terms in the aggregate or on both councils at the same time. b. The members of each council shall nominate a chairperson by majority vote of the members, and four members shall constitute a majority. The chairperson of each council shall be its presiding officer and shall serve until a successor has been nominated by the council. c. Any vacancy shall be filled for the unexpired term only. Members of the council shall be subject to removal by the commissioner at any time for good and sufficient cause. d. The members of the council shall receive no compensation for their services, but shall be reimbursed for actual expenditures incurred in the performance of their duties within the limits of funds appropriated or otherwise made available for this purpose. L.2025, c.139, s.54.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21-28 Veterans Haven council duties.
38A:21-28. Under general policies established by the commissioner, each Veterans Haven council shall: a. formulate comprehensive policies for the coordination of all services for the benefit of veterans housed at the Veterans Haven facilities; b. consult with and advise the Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Director of Veterans' Services with respect to the work of each Veterans Haven facility; c. recommend standards and procedures for application and termination of eligibility for admission to each Veterans Haven facility; and d. recommend standards of care, treatment, and discipline governing the relationship between each Veterans Haven facility and the persons admitted thereto. L.2025, c.139, s.55.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21-29 Assistance to qualified veterans, in-patient, out-patient treatment programs, travel to certain medical counseling appointments.
38A:21-29. The Department of Veterans Affairs shall establish a program to provide assistance to qualified veterans in in-patient and out-patient treatment programs with travel to attend medical counseling appointments for service-connected conditions approved and authorized by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs within this State. The department shall: a. develop, in cooperation with the New Jersey Transit Corporation and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, a program to provide reimbursement, subject to available State or federal funding, to qualified veterans who spend their own funds to travel on public transportation to and from medical counseling appointments for service-connected conditions within the State using any motor bus or rail passenger service conducted by the corporation when the veteran is not otherwise eligible for payment for travel or reimbursement by means of any existing State or federal program; b. develop, in cooperation with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, a program to provide reimbursement to qualified veterans who spend their own funds to travel using private transportation to and from medical counseling appointments for service-connected conditions within the State by reimbursing on a per mile basis their operation of a privately owned conveyance when that veteran is not otherwise eligible for payment for travel or reimbursement by means of any existing State or federal program, provided that the qualified veteran shall not use a for-hire private entity that charges for transportation unless such transportation is necessary for the qualified veteran due to a service-connected injury or disability for which the veteran has a certified rating provided by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs which prevents or hinders his or her ability to operate a privately owned conveyance; c. develop, in coordination with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, a system for monitoring veterans who have applied for reimbursement; d. notify the general public and eligible veterans that the program established by this section is available to qualified veterans; and e. adopt such rules and regulations as may be necessary to effectuate the purposes of this section. L.2025, c.139, s.56.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21-30 Website, information on war battles, places of historic significance to military, war efforts in New Jersey.
38A:21-30. a. The Department of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the Division of Travel and Tourism in the Department of State and the New Jersey Historical Commission, shall develop and maintain a website providing information detailing war battles fought and places of historic significance to the military or war efforts in New Jersey. The website shall: (1) specify the date and location, and describe the importance, of each battle that took place on lands within the State or in State waters and (2) identify, and describe the importance of, locations within the State or in State waters that are, or have been, significant to the military or war efforts, such as those locations used for military operations or training or those locations which house, berth, or preserve historic military equipment, vehicles, or vessels, including battleships, fighter planes, and tanks. The information on the website shall be available as a list and in an online tour format, and shall include, but need not be limited to, information pertaining to battles fought and places that are of historic significance to military actions or war efforts undertaken during the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. b. The department shall be entitled to call to its assistance and avail itself of the services of the employees of any State, county, or municipal department, authority, board, bureau, commission, agency, or entity, or of Rutgers, The State University or any other public institution of higher education in the State, as it may require and as may be available to it for the purpose of carrying out its duties under this act, N.J.S.38A:21-1 et al. L.2025, c.139, s.57.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21-31 New Jersey Commission on Veterans Benefits, membership.
38A:21-31. a. There is hereby established in the Department of Veterans Affairs the New Jersey Commission on Veterans Benefits, consisting of 13 members as follows: (1) the Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs, or their designee, who shall serve as chairperson; (2) the Commissioner of the Department of Human Services, or a designee; (3) the Commissioner of the Department of Health, or a designee; (4) the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs, or a designee; (5) the Commissioner of the Department of Education, or a designee; (6) the Commissioner of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, or a designee; (7) the Secretary of State, or a designee; (8) the Attorney General, or a designee; and (9) five public members who are residents of this State and who are veterans, as defined under N.J.S.38A:21-3, one to be appointed by the Governor and four to be appointed one each by the President of the Senate, the Senate Minority Leader, the Speaker of the General Assembly, and the Assembly Minority Leader. At least two of the five public members shall be women veterans. The public members of the commission shall serve for terms of three years and until the appointment and qualification of their successors, except that of the initial appointment of public members, three shall be appointed for a term of three years, and two shall be appointed for a term of two years. Any vacancy in the membership of the commission shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments are made. b. The commission shall organize as soon as practicable after the appointment of a majority of its members and shall select from among its members a chairperson. The members shall select a secretary, who need not be a member of the commission. Thereafter, the commission shall meet quarterly and at the call of the chairperson. A meeting of the commission may also be called upon at the request of seven of the commission members, and seven members of the commission shall constitute a quorum at any meeting thereof. The commission may conduct public hearings at such places and at such times as it shall designate, at which it may solicit the testimony of interested persons, groups, and the general public. c. The commission shall be entitled to call to its assistance and avail itself of the services of employees of any State, county, or municipal department, board, bureau, commission, or agency as it may require and as may be available to it for its purposes. The Department of Veterans Affairs shall provide such organizational and personnel support as the commission may request. All departments and agencies of the State shall furnish such advice and information, documentation, and assistance to the commission as is deemed necessary or desirable by the commission to facilitate its purposes. d. The members of the commission shall serve without compensation, but the public members may be reimbursed for necessary and reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their duties within the limits of funds appropriated or otherwise made available to it for its purposes. L.2025, c.139, s.63.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21-32 Statewide veterans' benefits strategic plan.
38A:21-32. a. It shall be the duty of the New Jersey Commission on Veterans Benefits to develop, maintain, and annually update a five-year Statewide veterans' benefits strategic plan that includes goals and measurable outcomes to ensure that all State departments and agencies are effectively delivering comprehensive services and support for veterans and their families in this State. b. In developing and updating the strategic plan, the commission shall conduct an analysis to identify the various programs and benefits provided by the State to the veteran population and to evaluate those programs to assess their status and effectiveness. Areas of analysis shall include, but need not be limited to, each existing program's status, successes, and challenges in addressing the veteran population's: (1) access to benefits; (2) educational, job skills, employment, and business opportunities; (3) physical and behavioral health and long-term healthcare options; (4) criminal justice issues; (5) housing opportunities and homelessness; and (6) special needs as determined by the commission. The strategic plan shall be based upon comprehensive data gained through open and transparent engagement with State departments and agencies and veterans' stakeholders. c. The commission shall develop recommendations to be submitted to the Governor and the Legislature to address any deficiencies in the provision of benefits and services to veterans in this State. The recommendations shall specifically address whether the existing State programs, services, and resources are adequate to meet the veteran population's existing needs; are being used to fulfill objectives in a manner that complements and leverages State, federal, and private resources; and how they may more effectively deliver veteran services to all current and future veterans in the State of New Jersey. d. The commission shall prepare and submit an initial five-year strategic plan to the Governor and to the Legislature pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1). Thereafter, the commission shall prepare and submit annual reports to the Governor and the Legislature containing its findings, activities, and recommendations, including any recommendations for administrative and legislative action that it deems appropriate. L.2025, c.139, s.64.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21-33 Discharge status change, separation due solely to sexual orientation, gender identity, expression.
38A:21-33. a. All former service members of the Armed Forces who were separated from the service with a general or other than honorable discharge due solely to their sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression, may request that the Department of Veterans Affairs assist them to have the designation on the discharge changed and recorded as honorable. b. The Department of Veterans Affairs shall: (1) create, publish, and distribute material to all public agencies of the availability of the assistance; and (2) create a consistent and uniform process to assist a former service member with the appropriate and necessary forms and conditions prescribed by federal law so that service member may petition the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, or its successor agency, to change the designation on the discharge to honorable. At no time shall a fee be charged to a former service member for seeking assistance to have the designation on the discharge changed to honorable. c. A former service member who has the designation of discharge changed to honorable shall be afforded the same rights, privileges, and benefits authorized by State law to service members who were honorably discharged. d. Information related to the change in the designation of a discharge, including, but not limited to, a request for assistance, shall be confidential and not accessible to the public as a government record pursuant to P.L.1963, c.73 (C.47:1A-1 et seq.). e. The commissioner shall, in accordance with the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), adopt any rules and regulations as the commissioner deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this section. L.2025, c.139, s.65.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislative-activity/statutesFetched: 10/17/2026