Bill > S3924

Introduced Session

This bill establishes a "Welcome Home Veterans Bonus" program in the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to incentivize veterans to continue residing in New Jersey after completion of military service. To qualify for a bonus under this program, a veteran must have: (1) served in the Armed Forces of the United States, or a Reserve component thereof, including the New Jersey National Guard, in active service as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Inherent Resolve, Operation Freedom Sentinel, or any successor or related operation; (2) been honorably discharged or generally discharged under honorable conditions; and (3) resided in this State for a period of not less than six months before the time of the person's entry into the service. The bill provides that any veteran discharged or released under other than honorable conditions due to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or HIV status based on the veteran's DD-214 form or equivalent documentation is eligible for the program. The bill also provides that different amounts will be paid out based on the circumstances of the military service. If a person died while in active service, a sum of $1,000 will be paid to the decedent veteran's heir-at-law or, if there is more than one heir-at-law, payments will be made as determined by the decedent veteran's will. If there is no will, the payments will be determined by the requirements of intestate succession as prescribed by law. This bill requires applications for the bonus program to be filed with DMVA. DMVA will be required to establish submission and evaluation criteria for applications and to appoint a payments appeal board consisting of three members whose duties will be to act as a final appeals board. A person who knowingly makes a false statement in supporting a claim under this bill will be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000, by imprisonment for not more than three years, or both.

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Latham Tiver (R)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee (on 12/09/2024)

Official Document