The proposed bill establishes a Welcome Home Veterans Bonus program within the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) aimed at encouraging veterans to remain in the state after their military service. To qualify for the bonus, veterans must have served in specific military operations, been honorably discharged, and resided in New Jersey for at least six months prior to their service. Notably, the bill expands eligibility to veterans discharged under other than honorable conditions due to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or HIV status. The program outlines various bonus amounts based on the nature of the veteran's service, including $1,000 for those who served in hostile environments and $500 for those who served domestically.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that if a qualifying veteran passes away while in active service, their heir-at-law will receive a $1,000 payment. Applications for the bonus must be submitted to the DMVA, which will develop guidelines for processing these applications and establish a payments appeal board to handle disputes. The bill also includes penalties for individuals who provide false information in support of their claims, with potential fines and imprisonment. The program is set to take effect one year after enactment, allowing the DMVA to prepare for its implementation.