This bill seeks to amend New Jersey law to expand the definition of "veteran" to include "discharged LGBTQ veterans," specifically those who were discharged under less than honorable conditions due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or related expressions. The bill introduces new legal language that defines a "discharged LGBTQ veteran" and mandates the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to create a review process to assess eligibility for this classification. This process will include a uniform method for verifying a veteran's status and issuing an eligibility form upon verification. The amendments aim to recognize the rights and benefits of an estimated 100,000 LGBTQ veterans who lost their entitlements due to discriminatory discharges.

In addition to the inclusion of LGBTQ veterans, the bill modifies existing definitions of "veteran" across various sections of New Jersey law, ensuring that discharged LGBTQ veterans are recognized alongside other veterans in affirmative action programs, employment lists, and state park admissions. The bill also clarifies the residency status for veterans attending public institutions of higher education, ensuring they are treated as residents for tuition purposes. Overall, the bill aims to provide equal opportunities and benefits to discharged LGBTQ veterans, addressing historical injustices and enhancing support for all veterans and their families.

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