Bill > S4376

This bill establishes the Department of Veterans Affairs as a new principal department in the Executive Branch of New Jersey state government, with comprehensive responsibilities for serving veterans and their families. The bill creates a comprehensive framework for veterans' services, including establishing a Commissioner of Veterans Affairs who will be an honorably discharged veteran appointed by the Governor, with duties such as administering veterans' programs, maintaining veterans' memorial homes and cemeteries, providing financial and healthcare assistance, and offering support services. The department will have several key functions, including operating veterans' memorial homes, providing outreach and rehabilitation programs, administering tuition assistance, offering mental health counseling through the Gold Star Family Counseling Program, and maintaining a registry of organizations serving veterans. The bill also transfers various existing veterans-related functions from other state departments to the new Department of Veterans Affairs, ensures continuity of existing programs, and provides mechanisms for veterans to access benefits, healthcare, education, and employment support. Additionally, the bill creates several advisory councils, such as the Commission on Women Veterans and the New Jersey Commission on Veterans Benefits, to help guide and improve veterans' services across the state.

Budget and Finance, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4376