This bill seeks to amend New Jersey law to include "discharged LGBTQ veterans" in the definition of "veteran." Specifically, it recognizes those who were discharged under less than honorable conditions due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or related expressions. The bill mandates the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to establish a review process to determine eligibility for this classification, which includes creating a uniform method for verifying a veteran's status and issuing an eligibility form upon verification. This inclusion aims to restore state benefits to LGBTQ veterans who faced discrimination and lost benefits due to their discharges.

Additionally, 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 legislation acknowledges the historical injustices faced by LGBTQ veterans, particularly those discharged under discriminatory policies from World War II until the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in 2011. By expanding the definition and establishing a review process, the bill aims to provide equal opportunities and benefits to all veterans, regardless of their sexual orientation.

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