summary
Introduced
01/28/2026
01/28/2026
In Committee
01/28/2026
01/28/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, in conjunction with the Department of Human Services, to establish a Military Suicide Prevention Task Force. The purpose of the task force will be to reduce military suicides and provide a plan for the elimination of all military suicides. The task force will recommend comprehensive strategies aimed at addressing suicide among members of the military, active duty and veterans, and will recommend ways to establish and execute plans and programs to implement those strategies. The task force will consist of 17 members, and it will be the duty of the task force to: identify and review the issues and concerns facing active duty service members and veterans; recommend measures the State should take to address the issues and concerns, including legislation if appropriate; examine data, research, programs, and initiatives related to military suicide, including the physical, social, emotional, and mental impact of military service, with a focus on deployments; identify evidence-based best practices to increase awareness of veteran suicide prevention hot lines, in New Jersey or nationally, and other crisis resources with proven effectiveness to reduce military suicide; identify effective strategies for promoting lifelong physical, social, emotional, and mental health of service members and veterans, and develop recommendations to implement those strategies; review the laws, regulations, and public policies governing services provided to active duty service members and veterans of this State, and determine whether those services are currently being performed in the most effective manner; and determine whether those services can be performed more efficiently and effectively by a county or municipal government and whether services now being provided by a county or municipal government may be more efficiently and effectively performed by State government. The task force will submit periodic reports, no less than twice a year, concerning the findings and actions related to its duties to the Governor and the Legislature.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a Military Suicide Prevention Task Force, comprised of 17 members from various state departments and appointed public members with relevant expertise, to address and reduce suicides among active duty military personnel and veterans. The task force, which will meet at least every other month and report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature twice a year, is charged with identifying issues facing service members and veterans, examining data and research on military suicide including the impact of deployments, promoting evidence-based best practices for suicide prevention hotlines and crisis resources, and developing strategies for lifelong physical, social, emotional, and mental health for this population. Additionally, the task force will review existing laws, regulations, and public policies related to services for military members and veterans to determine if they are being administered effectively and efficiently, and whether services could be better handled at the state, county, or municipal level.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee (on 01/28/2026)
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/S3206 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S3500/3206_I1.HTM |
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