summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill establishes a legislative internship program for veterans which will allow members of the Legislature to employ veterans as interns with the approval of the presiding officer of the member's House. The bill requires the veteran legislative internship program to accept applications from veterans who were honorably discharged, released from active duty within the last five years, and at or below the pay grades of E-5 or O-3. Applicants must also have a minimum of a 20 percent service-connected disability rating. Applicants who are Purple Heart recipients are not required to meet the service-connected disability rating to be considered eligible for the program. Any veterans receiving a 20-year or Temporary Early Retirement Authorization retirement are not eligible for the program. Under the bill, veterans who are residents of New Jersey will be granted priority over other applicants to the program. The bill requires participants to complete one work period with the district office of a legislator, which will be established by each legislator prior to employing a veteran as an intern. The legislator may elect to retain the participant for an additional work period if the participant agrees to continue their internship after completion of the initial work period. The duties of the interns are to be decided by the legislator for which they are employed.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a legislative internship program for veterans, allowing members of the Legislature to hire eligible veterans as interns with the approval of their respective House's presiding officer. To qualify, veterans must have an honorable discharge, have been released from active duty within the last five years, and have held a pay grade at or below E-5 (enlisted personnel) or O-3 (officer personnel). They generally need a service-connected disability rating of at least 20 percent from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, though Purple Heart recipients are exempt from this disability requirement. Veterans receiving a 20-year or Temporary Early Retirement Authorization retirement are ineligible. New Jersey residents will receive priority in the application process. Interns will complete an initial work period in a legislator's district office, with the possibility of an additional period if both parties agree, and their duties will be determined by the employing legislator, offering them experience in legislative activities. The Legislature will seek federal grant funds, such as those from the "Jobs for Veterans' State Grants" program, and will appropriate necessary funds to operate the program.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee (on 01/13/2026)
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/2026/S1190 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1500/1190_I1.HTM |
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