The proposed bill establishes a "Welcome Home Veterans Bonus" program within the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) aimed at encouraging veterans to remain in the state after their military service. To qualify for the bonus, veterans must have served in the Armed Forces or a Reserve component, including the New Jersey National Guard, during specific operations and must have been honorably discharged. Notably, the bill expands eligibility to veterans discharged under other than honorable conditions due to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or HIV status. The program outlines various bonus amounts based on the nature of the veteran's service, including $1,000 for those who served in hostile environments and $500 for those who served domestically.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that if a qualifying veteran passes away while in active service, a $1,000 payment will be made to their heir-at-law. The DMVA is tasked with developing application guidelines and evaluation criteria, and a payments appeal board will be established to handle disputes regarding payment decisions. The bill also includes penalties for individuals who submit false claims, with fines and potential imprisonment for violations. Overall, this legislation aims to provide financial support to veterans and their families while ensuring accountability in the application process.