New Jersey Defense & Military Bills

Increases amount of veterans' property tax deduction and expands eligibility to certain veterans.

Eliminates shellfish license fee for veterans and active duty service members.

Requires DVA to conduct study of Statewide Veterans Diversion Program.

Proposes constitutional amendment to increase amount of veterans' property tax deduction from $250 to $500 and provide further increases based on increases in Consumer Price Index.

"Election Integrity and Voter Protection Act"; restricts presence of active duty military and certain law enforcement near polling places and ballot drop boxes.

Designates Browning Road Bridge in Bellmawr as "Marine Corps Captain James R. Reese Memorial Bridge."

Waives certain commercial driver license fees for veterans and spouses of veterans.

Establishes and allocates funds for program to provide mental health services to veterans; appropriates $2 million.

Establishes Veterans Care Commission to study and address issues facing returning members of US Armed Forces, Reserve components of US Armed Forces, and NJ National Guard.

Concerns definition of veteran for purpose of affordable housing preference.

"Election Integrity and Voter Protection Act"; restricts presence of active duty military and certain law enforcement near polling places and ballot drop boxes.

Designates May of each year as Military Spouse Appreciation Month in New Jersey.

Authorizes PANYNJ employees to take military leave.

Requires certain tolling entities and NJT to provide 50 percent discount to service members, veterans, auxiliary members, and Gold Star Family members.*

Permits board of education to employ certain veterans in coaching positions in school district's interscholastic athletic program.

Revises Commission on Women Veterans.

Waives certain commercial driver license fees for veterans and spouses of veterans.

Designates November 2026 as Veterans Month in New Jersey.

Removing requirement of service during specified dates or in specified locations, thereby broadening eligibility for certain veterans' benefits.

Provides gross income tax credit to active members of volunteer emergency service organizations for use of personal motor vehicle in performance of active duty.