The bill amends New Jersey's civil service and pension laws to broaden eligibility for veterans' benefits by eliminating the requirement that service must have occurred during specific dates or in designated locations. It redefines "disabled veteran" to include any veteran eligible for compensation for a service-connected disability from the Department of Veterans Affairs, rather than limiting it to those with war service. The definition of "veteran" is also expanded to encompass any person honorably discharged from federal active service in any branch of the Armed Forces, along with the requirement for documentation to be submitted to the Adjutant General of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Additionally, the bill provides benefits for the parents and spouses of veterans who died in service and ensures that veterans with disabilities are not discriminated against in examinations or appointments.

Further changes include updates to the definitions related to the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund and the Public Employees' Retirement System, streamlining eligibility criteria and expanding the definitions of dependents. The bill allows members to purchase service credit for federal active service, waives the five-year qualification for accidental death benefits for widowers and parents, and clarifies that members are not liable for costs associated with pension adjustment benefits when purchasing credit for various types of service. Overall, the bill aims to create a more inclusive framework for veterans seeking civil service and pension benefits, reflecting a commitment to support all individuals who have served in the military, regardless of the specific circumstances of their service.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 43:15A-6, 43:15A-24, 43:15A-73.1, 43:16A-11.7, 43:16A-11.11, 53:5A-3