Bill > S2148

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 commissioners from various state departments (Education, Labor and Workforce Development, Health and Senior Services, Human Services), the Chairperson of the Civil Service Commission, the Adjutant General of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and five public members with relevant expertise in areas such as post-traumatic stress disorder, family support, employer relations, veterans' services, and issues affecting women in the military or homeless veterans. These public members will serve without pay but will be reimbursed for expenses. The task force is mandated to organize, elect a chairperson, and hold at least three public hearings across the state to gather testimony. The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will provide necessary administrative and professional support. The task force's primary duty is to identify and review issues affecting returning service members and their families, examine data and existing programs related to the physical, social, emotional, and mental impacts of military service, identify effective strategies for promoting lifelong well-being, and develop recommendations, including potential legislation, for the state to address these concerns. The task force must submit a final report with its findings and recommendations within six months of organizing and will cease to exist 30 days after issuing this report.