The bill establishes a Women Veterans Coordinator within the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), who will be appointed by the Adjutant General. This coordinator must be a veteran and will focus on assisting women veterans who have been discharged or released under honorable conditions from the U.S. Armed Forces or its Reserve components, including the New Jersey National Guard. The coordinator's responsibilities include addressing issues related to employment, education, counseling, housing, social and medical services, and other concerns specific to women veterans. Additionally, the coordinator will develop and coordinate statewide programs and services, create informational materials about veterans' benefits, and provide recommendations to ensure compliance with relevant policies and improve services for women veterans.
The coordinator is also required to hold quarterly meetings with women veterans and make annual recommendations to the Legislature and Governor regarding existing or proposed programs and legislation aimed at enhancing support for women veterans. The bill mandates that the Adjutant General promulgate rules and regulations to implement the act in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act. This initiative aims to better address the unique needs of women veterans in New Jersey and ensure they receive the necessary support and resources.