Bill
Bill > S1187
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 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) to provide service dogs to disabled veterans, defined as state residents honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces with a service-connected disability. The DMVA will award grants to nonprofit organizations, which are private, tax-exempt organizations, to fund the provision of service dogs, including training for both the dogs and the veterans, and any additional support services. These nonprofit organizations must demonstrate a commitment to humane animal standards, be accredited by recognized organizations like Assistance Dogs International, and are prohibited from charging disabled veterans any fees for the service dogs. Furthermore, the DMVA will provide a commercially available veterinary insurance policy for each service dog, which will continue even if the grant program itself is terminated. The bill also mandates that grant recipients report on their use of funds, and the DMVA will report annually on the program's effectiveness. The implementation of this grant program is contingent upon future legislative appropriations.
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/S1187 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1500/1187_I1.HTM |
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