This bill amends N.J.S.54A:3-1 to extend the gross income tax exemption currently available to veterans to their spouses following the veteran's death. Specifically, it allows the spouse of a deceased veteran to claim a $6,000 exemption from gross income beginning in the taxable year after the veteran's death and continuing until the spouse remarries. This provision ensures that the spouse can benefit from the same tax relief that the veteran received, provided that the veteran was eligible for the exemption in the year of their death.

The bill modifies existing language by deleting references to the taxpayer's gender and inserting new language that clarifies the eligibility of the veteran's spouse for the exemption. This change aims to provide financial support to the surviving spouses of veterans, recognizing their sacrifices and the challenges they may face after the loss of their partner. The act is set to take effect immediately and will apply to taxable years starting January 1 of the year following its enactment.