The bill seeks to expand eligibility for civil service and pension benefits for veterans in New Jersey 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 broadened to encompass any person honorably discharged from federal active service in any branch of the Armed Forces, removing previous restrictions based on specific conflicts and service dates. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the parents and spouses of veterans who die in service, granting them a disabled veterans' preference, and ensures that veterans with disabilities are not discriminated against in civil service examinations or appointments.

Further amendments modernize the language and inclusivity of the pension system, ensuring that it reflects current societal norms. The bill clarifies definitions related to dependency status for widows, widowers, and parents, allowing public employers to adopt resolutions that include domestic partners in these definitions. It also modifies the language regarding prior service credit, allowing members to purchase credit for federal active service and ensuring that they are not liable for costs associated with pension adjustment benefits when purchasing credit. The bill repeals certain existing statutes and will take effect immediately, with specific provisions commencing on the first day of the calendar year following voter approval of a constitutional amendment.

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