The proposed bill establishes the "New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs" as a principal department within the Executive Branch, dedicated to serving veterans. It outlines the responsibilities of the Commissioner, who must be an honorably discharged veteran, and details the department's powers, including administering veterans' services, operating memorial homes and cemeteries, and coordinating assistance programs for veterans and their families. The bill also introduces various initiatives, such as a financial planning assistance program for disabled veterans, a drug testing protocol for staff at veterans' homes, and a program for transferring veterans' remains to designated cemeteries. Additionally, it mandates the creation of advisory councils for veterans' facilities and public hearings before significant changes to these facilities.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for supporting Gold Star family members, establishing a counseling program, and assisting former service members with less than honorable discharges due to sexual orientation or gender identity. It also outlines the awarding of service medals to eligible veterans and transfers various responsibilities from the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to the new Department of Veterans Affairs, including the veterans' loan authority. The bill aims to streamline governance and enhance the support and services available to veterans in New Jersey, ensuring their needs are met effectively.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 38A:3-1.1, 38A:3-1, 38A:3-1.2, 38A:3-2, 38A:3-6.19, 38A:3-16, 38A:13-9, 38:17-2.1, 52:14-15.107