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
The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will establish and maintain a database of veteran separation documents. The purpose of the database will be to create a central location for storing digital copies of veteran separation documents such as a DD-214 or NGB-22 form. The database will only be accessible by a public agency and will only be accessible for the purpose of determining the eligibility of a veteran or a veteran's family member, as appropriate, to receive veteran benefits. The separation documents will be submitted voluntarily by the veteran or a family member, and may be submitted posthumously by an immediate family member of a deceased veteran. Under the bill, "veteran" means a person who served on active duty in the United States Armed Forces, a Reserve component thereof, or the National Guard of this State or another state. The department will determine the criteria for granting access to the database, which will include a procedure to confirm that the planned use of the separation document is consistent with law. The department will advertise and promote the use of the database on the department's website. The database will not be subject to the provisions of the law commonly referred to as the open public records act or to the common law concerning access to public records, and any person who misuses the information contained in a separation document will be guilty of a disorderly person's offense and subject to a fine, imprisonment, or both.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a secure database managed by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to store digital copies of veteran separation documents, such as a DD-214 or NGB-22 form, which are official records detailing a service member's military service. This database will serve as a central repository for these important documents, which are submitted voluntarily by veterans or their immediate family members, even posthumously. Access to this database will be strictly limited to public agencies solely for the purpose of verifying a veteran or their family's eligibility for benefits, with the department setting clear criteria and procedures to ensure proper use. The bill defines "veteran" as anyone who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, Reserves, or National Guard, and clarifies that the database and its contents will not be subject to public records laws, meaning they are not generally accessible to the public. Misusing information from these separation documents will be a disorderly persons offense, punishable by fines and/or imprisonment.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly 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/A1464 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A1500/1464_I1.HTM |
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