This bill proposes to rename the Blue Star Memorial Highway Council to the Blue and Gold Star Memorial Highway Council and the Blue Star Memorial Highway system to the Blue and Gold Star Memorial Highway system. This change aims to honor Gold Star families, who are the immediate relatives of U.S. Armed Forces members killed in combat or during military operations. The bill also updates the council's membership to include an officer or employee from the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs, replacing a member from the Department of Health, and establishes the council within the permanent statutes.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the New Jersey Department of Transportation update all signage throughout the state to reflect the new name of the highway system within 90 days of the bill's effective date. This initiative is intended to ensure that the memorials serve as living tributes to all service members from New Jersey, recognizing both Blue and Gold Star families. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 27:1A-5.16