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NJ AR70
NJ AR70Memorializes Department of Defense to authorize changes on certain military service forms of veterans who are transgender.
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 resolution memorializes the Secretary of Defense of the United States Department of Defense to authorize changes to the DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, and give military veterans who are transgender the opportunity to change their DD Form 214 to reflect their current legal names and genders, so that these veterans are able to easily take advantage of and enjoy the same veterans' employment preference benefits, as well as medical, dependent, funeral, and other veterans' benefits, which are enjoyed by other military veterans. These forms are commonly required by federal agencies when veterans apply for benefits. A veteran who is transgender may be uncomfortable explaining a gender and name change so that the veteran may have difficulty or even forego seeking veterans' benefits. Additionally, if transgender status is shared, a veteran may experience discrimination based on that status, or be denied benefits altogether because of discrepancies in current documents and the information on a DD Form 214.
AI Summary
This resolution respectfully urges the Secretary of Defense to allow transgender military veterans to update their DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, which is a key document verifying military service and is required for accessing various benefits. Currently, this form, issued by the Department of Defense (DOD) upon a service member's exit from active duty, is considered a historical record and is generally not changed to reflect a veteran's gender transition after service. This policy creates significant difficulties for transgender veterans, as discrepancies between their current legal names and genders and those on their DD Form 214 can lead to complications, discomfort, potential discrimination, or even denial of essential benefits like employment preferences, medical care, and funeral assistance, which are available to other veterans. By allowing these updates, the resolution aims to ensure transgender veterans can easily access the same benefits they have earned through their service.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Health 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/AR70 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/AR/70_I1.HTM |
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