This bill mandates the establishment of a new veterans facility, named the Ronald S. Dancer Veterans Memorial Home, in either Ocean or Monmouth County, which are noted for having high veteran populations. The Department of Veterans Affairs, in collaboration with the Department of the Treasury, is tasked with purchasing suitable real property for this facility, ensuring it is located within one mile of an acute care facility. The bill outlines that the facility must be operational within five years and will provide necessary transportation to the acute care facility. Additionally, funding for the property purchase and improvements will be appropriated annually from the General Fund.

The bill also amends existing laws to incorporate the new veterans memorial home into the state's framework for veterans services. This includes updates to the supervision and operation of veterans memorial homes, the establishment of advisory councils, and the reporting requirements for the Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Notably, it replaces references to "Veterans'" with "Veterans Memorial" in various sections and repeals certain outdated provisions related to veterans homes. These changes aim to enhance the support and services provided to veterans in New Jersey.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 45:9-27.11