This bill seeks to amend the definition of "veteran" to explicitly include discharged LGBTQ veterans who were less than honorably discharged from the Armed Forces due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. The new legal language clarifies that a "veteran" now encompasses any individual who has served in the United States Armed Forces and has been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, or as a discharged LGBTQ veteran. Additionally, the bill mandates the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to create a uniform review process to assess eligibility for this classification, addressing the historical injustices faced by an estimated 100,000 LGBTQ veterans affected by discriminatory discharges prior to the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

Furthermore, the bill expands the recognition of discharged LGBTQ veterans across various statutes, ensuring they are afforded the same rights and benefits as other veterans in contexts such as employment, educational assistance, and housing. It introduces definitions for terms like "gender expression," "gender identity," and "sexual orientation" to provide clarity on the criteria for this new designation. The legislation also includes provisions for the DMVA to develop an eligibility form for these veterans, thereby streamlining access to state resources and opportunities. Overall, the bill aims to enhance inclusivity and support for LGBTQ veterans, ensuring they receive the recognition and benefits they deserve.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 10:5-39, 13:1L-12.1, 18A:36-13.2, 18A:62-4.1, 18A:75A-3, 34:15D-4, 38A:3-6.3, 39:3-10, 39:3-29.3, 40:37A-114.1, 40:61-22.20, 40A:9-78.2, 40A:12A-20.2, 43:15A-6, 43:16A-11.7, 45:19A-4, 46:8-51, 52:27D-517, 52:32-50, 53:5A-3, 54:4-8.10