The proposed bill establishes the New Jersey Gold Star Family Annuity Program within the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, aimed at providing financial support to surviving family members of service members who died while on active duty. The bill defines a Gold Star family member as a New Jersey resident who is a surviving spouse, domestic partner, civil union partner, parent, sibling, child, legal guardian, or other legal custodian of a deceased service member. The program will offer an annual annuity of $600, disbursed on January 1 each year, with potential increases starting two years after the bill's effective date, based on adjustments to compensation and pension benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

To qualify for the annuity, applicants must submit proof of their relationship to the deceased service member, confirm the service member's active duty status at the time of death, and provide evidence of New Jersey residency, which must be verified annually. The bill stipulates that remarriage will not disqualify eligible Gold Star family members from receiving benefits. The Adjutant General will oversee the program, including budget requests for funding, and will have the authority to accept donations or grants to support the program. Additionally, the Adjutant General will adjudicate applications and appeals regarding eligibility for the annuity.