Bill
Bill > A5109
summary
Introduced
12/12/2024
12/12/2024
In Committee
12/12/2024
12/12/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill establishes a grant program within the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) for nonprofit organizations to provide service dogs to disabled veterans. DMVA would be required to develop guidelines, procedures, and criteria for applications and awards. At a minimum, applications will include a proposal for the provision of service dogs to disabled veterans, a description of the training that will be provided to disabled veterans and service dogs, a list of any additional support or services the nonprofit organization will provide, a marketing campaign plan, a description of the commitment of the nonprofit organization to humane standards for animals and how these standards will be implemented, and proof of accreditation by Assistance Dogs International or the International Guide Dog Federation. The bill also prohibits nonprofit organizations awarded a grant from charging a fee to a disabled veteran receiving a service dog through the program. The bill also requires DMVA to provide a commercially available veterinary insurance policy for a service dog to each disabled veteran who receives the service dog through the grant program. The policy will continue to be provided without regard to the continuation or termination of the grant program. The grant recipients will be required to report grant fund use to DMVA. Implementation of the grant program would be subject to a future appropriation by the Legislature.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the "Service Dogs Assisting Veterans Grant Program" within the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), designed to help disabled veterans obtain service dogs through nonprofit organizations. The bill defines key terms such as "disabled veteran" (a state resident with an honorable military discharge and a service-connected disability), "nonprofit organization" (a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entity), and "service dog" (a dog individually trained to assist persons with disabilities). Grant applicants must submit detailed proposals including their plan for providing service dogs, training methods, additional support services, marketing strategies, commitment to animal welfare, and proof of accreditation from recognized service dog organizations. The program mandates that nonprofit organizations cannot charge veterans for service dogs, and the DMVA must provide veterinary insurance for each service dog, which will continue regardless of the grant program's status. The bill requires annual reporting to the Governor and Legislature on the program's effectiveness, and the Adjutant General must include funding requests for the program in the department's annual budget. Importantly, the program's full implementation is subject to future legislative appropriation, ensuring financial feasibility before complete rollout.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee (on 12/12/2024)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5109 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A5500/5109_I1.HTM |
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