The "New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs Act" establishes a principal department within the Executive Branch dedicated to veterans' affairs, defining key roles such as the Commissioner, who must be an honorably discharged veteran appointed by the Governor. The act outlines the Commissioner's responsibilities, including administering the department, organizing divisions, and implementing necessary regulations. It emphasizes support for veterans through initiatives like a financial planning assistance program for disabled veterans and their caregivers, a drug testing program for direct care staff at veterans' memorial homes, and a program to facilitate the transfer of veterans' remains from paupers' cemeteries to the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans' Memorial Cemetery.

Additionally, the bill introduces various provisions aimed at enhancing support for veterans and their families, including educational benefits, legal services for homeless veterans, and the establishment of a Commission on Women Veterans. It creates programs for tuition assistance for Vietnam veterans, travel expense reimbursement for medical appointments, and a Gold Star Family Counseling Program. The act also includes measures to protect the confidentiality of discharge status changes and empowers the Commissioner to adopt necessary regulations. Overall, the legislation seeks to improve the quality of life for veterans in New Jersey through comprehensive support systems and streamlined services.

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
Advance Law: 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, 43:15A-6.1, 43:16A-11.7
Pamphlet Law: 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, 43:15A-6.1, 43:16A-11.7