This bill establishes the "Indigent Veterans Burial Services Fund" within the Department of the Treasury, allowing taxpayers to voluntarily contribute to the fund through their New Jersey gross income tax returns. Taxpayers can indicate a portion of their tax refund or make an enclosed contribution to support the burial services for indigent veterans. The bill also stipulates that any administrative costs incurred by the Division of Taxation can be deducted from the contributions collected, with the net funds deposited into the special fund. Furthermore, it mandates that the Legislature annually appropriates all funds in the "Indigent Veterans Burial Services Fund" to the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for burial or cremation expenses related to indigent veterans.

The bill aims to enhance the financial support available for the burial of veterans who lack the means to cover funeral expenses, including homeless veterans and those whose remains have been abandoned. Currently, the law requires counties to cover burial costs up to $250, with the State providing additional funding for expenses exceeding that amount, up to $1,250. This new fund will create an additional resource to ensure that indigent veterans receive dignified burial services. The act is set to take effect immediately and will apply to taxable years beginning on or after January 1 following its enactment.