Bill
Bill > S4003
summary
Introduced
01/14/2025
01/14/2025
In Committee
01/14/2025
01/14/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
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 a Service Dogs Assisting Veterans Grant Program within the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to provide service dogs to disabled veterans. The bill defines key terms, including "disabled veteran" as a state resident honorably discharged from military service with a service-connected disability, and "service dog" as a specially trained dog that assists individuals with disabilities. The grant program will provide funding to nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3) groups) to supply service dogs to veterans, with detailed application requirements including training plans, marketing strategies, and proof of accreditation from recognized dog assistance organizations. Grant recipients are prohibited from charging veterans fees for service dogs, and DMVA must provide ongoing veterinary insurance for each service dog. The department will develop guidelines for grant applications, monitor recipients' compliance, and submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature about the program's effectiveness. The bill requires the Adjutant General to include funding requests for the program in the annual budget, and the program will be subject to future legislative appropriations. The act will take effect 30 days after enactment, with DMVA allowed to complete preparatory administrative actions in advance.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee (on 01/14/2025)
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/S4003 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S4500/4003_I1.HTM |
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