This bill aims to expand eligibility for veterans' civil service preference in New Jersey by allowing individuals who qualify for federal veterans' preference but do not meet the state's criteria to receive additional points on civil service examinations. Specifically, individuals who meet the federal definition of a veteran or disabled veteran, as outlined in 5 U.S.C. s.2108, will receive five or ten additional points, respectively, on their examination scores. The bill specifies that to qualify for the additional points, individuals must have an honorable or general discharge, and service in the National Guard or Reserve for training purposes does not count.

The proposed changes include granting five additional points to individuals who served during specific periods or in designated campaigns but do not qualify for state veterans' preference. Additionally, ten points would be awarded to those with a service-connected disability or who receive compensation from the federal military or the Department of Veterans Affairs, provided they do not qualify for state disabled veterans' preference. However, this benefit for disabled veterans who did not serve during wartime is contingent upon a constitutional amendment approved by voters. The bill is set to take effect on July 1 following its enactment and will apply to examinations for appointments taken after that date.