Bill > A735

This bill establishes a task force within the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to study the challenges faced by returning members of the United States Armed Forces and the New Jersey National Guard, particularly those returning from deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq. The task force will consist of 11 members, including designees from various state departments like Education, Labor, Health, and Human Services, along with the Adjutant General and five public members appointed by the Adjutant General, who must have expertise in areas such as post-deployment issues, mental health, family support, and veteran services. These public members will serve without pay but will be reimbursed for expenses. The task force is mandated to organize promptly, elect a chairperson, and hold at least three public hearings across the state to gather input. Its primary duty is to identify and review the physical, social, emotional, and mental impacts of military service on servicemembers and their families, examine existing programs, and recommend strategies, including potential legislation, to address these issues and promote lifelong well-being. The task force must submit a final report with its findings and recommendations within six months of organizing, and it will be dissolved 30 days after issuing this report.