This bill establishes a task force within the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to address the issues faced by returning members of the United States Armed Forces, the New Jersey National Guard, and reserve components after overseas deployments, particularly those related to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. The task force will consist of 13 members, including various state commissioners and public members with relevant experience. Its primary objectives are to identify and review the concerns of these service members and their families, recommend measures to address these issues, and prepare a final report with findings and legislative recommendations. The task force will expire 30 days after submitting its report.

Additionally, the bill creates a permanent study commission tasked with reviewing and recommending changes to the definitions of veteran status in state statutes. This commission will analyze existing definitions, identify restrictive requirements, and consult with the military community to ensure clarity and uniformity in the definitions of veteran, disabled veteran, and service-disabled veteran. The commission will issue annual reports detailing its findings and recommendations, with the first report due within 12 months of its organization.