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. A Gold Star family member is defined 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 member of the Armed Forces or National Guard. 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.

The bill outlines the application process for the annuity, requiring proof of the applicant's relationship to the deceased service member, confirmation of the service member's active duty status at the time of death, and proof of New Jersey residency, which must be provided annually. Notably, 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 the acceptance of donations or grants to support the annuity payments. Additionally, the Adjutant General will determine eligibility for applicants and handle any appeals regarding benefit determinations.