N.J. Stat. § 38A:20-3 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 20 / Section 20-3
Interstate Civil Defense and Disaster Compact
Status: in_force

An Act concerning interstate civil defense and ratifying on behalf of the State of New Jersey a compact therefor. (L.1951, c. 8. Approved March 27, 1951.) The Legislature of this State hereby ratifies a compact on behalf of the State of New Jersey with any other State legally joining therein in the form substantially as follows: Interstate Civil Defense and Disaster Compact The contracting States solemnly agree: ARTICLE I The purpose of this compact is to provide mutual aid among the States in meeting any emergency or disaster from enemy attack or other cause (natural or otherwise) including sabotage and subversive acts and direct attacks by bombs, shellfire, and atomic, radiological, chemical, bacteriological means, and other weapons. The prompt, full and effective utilization of the resources of the respective States, including such resources as may be available from the United States Government or any other source, are essential to the safety, care and welfare of the people in the event of enemy action or other emergency, and any other resources, including personnel, equipment or supplies, shall be incorporated into a plan or plans of mutual aid to be developed among the Civil Defense agencies or similar bodies of the States that are parties hereto. The Directors of Civil Defense of all party States shall constitute a committee to formulate plans and take all necessary steps for the implementation of this compact. ARTICLE II It shall be the duty of each party State to formulate civil defense plans and programs for application within such State. There shall be frequent consultation between the representatives of the States and with the United States Government and the free exchange of information and plans, including inventories of any materials and equipment available for civil defense. In carrying out such civil defense plans and programs the party States shall so far as possible provide and follow uniform standards, practices and rules and regulations including: (a) Insignia, arm bands and any other distinctive articles to designate and distinguish the different civil defense services; (b) Blackouts and practice blackouts, air raid drills, mobilization of civil defense forces and other tests and exercises; (c) Warnings and signals for drills or attacks and the mechanical devices to be used in connection therewith; (d) The effective screening or extinguishing of all lights and lighting devices and appliances; (e) Shutting off water mains, gas mains, electric power connections and the suspension of all other utility services; (f) All materials or equipment used or to be used for civil defense purposes in order to assure that such materials and equipment will be easily and freely interchangeable when used in or by any other party State; (g) The conduct of civilians and the movement and cessation of movement of pedestrians and vehicular traffic, prior, during and subsequent to drills or attacks; (h) The safety of public meetings or gatherings; and (i) Mobile support units. ARTICLE III Any party State requested to render mutual aid shall take such action as is necessary to provide and make available the resources covered by this compact in accordance with the terms hereof; provided, that it is understood that the State rendering aid may withhold resources to the extent necessary to provide reasonable protection for such State. Each party State shall extend to the civil defense forces of any other party State, while operating within its State limits under the terms and conditions of this compact, the same powers (except that of arrest unless specifically authorized by the receiving State), duties, rights, privileges and immunities as if they were performing their duties in the State in which normally employed or rendering services. Civil defense forces will continue under the command and control of their regular leaders but the organizational units will come under the operational control of the civil defense authorities of the State receiving assistance. ARTICLE IV Whenever any person holds a license, certificate or other permit issued by any State evidencing the meeting of qualifications for professional, mechanical or other skills, such person may render aid involving such skill in any party State to meet an emergency or disaster and such State shall give due recognition to such license, certificate or other permit as if issued in the State in which aid is rendered. ARTICLE V No party State or its officers or employees rendering aid in another State pursuant to this compact shall be liable on account of any act or omission in good faith on the part of such forces while so engaged, or on account of the maintenance or use of any equipment or supplies in connection therewith. ARTICLE VI Inasmuch as it is probable that the pattern and detail of the machinery for mutual aid among two or more States may differ from that appropriate among other States party hereto, this instrument contains elements of a broad base common to all States, and nothing herein contained shall preclude any State from entering into supplementary agreements with another State or States. Such supplementary agreements may comprehend, but shall not be limited to, provisions for evacuation and reception of injured and other persons, and the exchange of medical, fire, police, public utility, reconnaissance, welfare, transportation and communications personnel, equipment and supplies. ARTICLE VII Each party State shall provide for the payment of compensation and death benefits to injured members of the civil defense forces of that State and the representatives of deceased members of such forces in case such members sustain injuries or are killed while rendering aid pursuant to this compact, in the same manner and on the same terms as if the injury or death were sustained within such State. ARTICLE VIII Any party State rendering aid in another State pursuant to this compact shall be reimbursed by the party State receiving such aid for any loss or damage to, or expense incurred in the operation of any equipment answering a request for aid, and for the cost incurred in connection with such requests; provided, that any aiding party State may assume in whole or in part such loss, damage, expense, or other cost, or may loan such equipment or donate such services to the receiving party State without charge or cost; and provided further, that any 2 or more party States may enter into supplementary agreements establishing a different allocation of costs as among those States. The United States Government may relieve the party State receiving aid from any liability and reimburse the party State supplying civil defense forces for the compensation paid to and the transportation, subsistence and maintenance expenses of such forces during the time of the rendition of such aid or assistance outside the State and may also pay fair and reasonable compensation for the use or utilization of the supplies, materials, equipment or facilities so utilized or consumed. ARTICLE IX Plans for the orderly evacuation and reception of the civilian population as the result of an emergency or disaster shall be worked out from time to time between representatives of the party States and the various local civil defense areas thereof. Such plans shall include the manner of transporting such evacuees, the number of evacuees to be received in different areas, the manner in which food, clothing, housing, and medical care will be provided, the registration of the evacuees, the providing of facilities for the notification of relatives or friends and the forwarding of such evacuees to other areas or the bringing in of additional materials, supplies, and all other relevant factors. Such plans shall provide that the party State receiving evacuees shall be reimbursed generally for the out-of-pocket expenses incurred in receiving and caring for such evacuees, for expenditures for transportation, food, clothing, medicines and medical care and like items. Such expenditures shall be reimbursed by the party State of which the evacuees are residents, or by the United States Government under plans approved by it. After the termination of the emergency or disaster the party State of which the evacuees are resident shall assume the responsibility for the ultimate support or repatriation of such evacuees. ARTICLE X This compact shall be available to any State, territory or possession of the United States, and the District of Columbia. The term "State" may also include any neighboring foreign country or province or State thereof. ARTICLE XI The committee established pursuant to Article I of this compact may request the Civil Defense Agency of the United States Government to act as an informational and co-ordinating body under this compact, and representatives of such agency of the United States Government may attend meetings of such committee. ARTICLE XII This compact shall become operative immediately upon its ratification by any State as between it and any other State or States so ratifying and shall be subject to approval by Congress unless prior Congressional approval has been given. Duly authenticated copies of this compact and of such supplementary agreements as may be entered into shall, at the time of their approval, be deposited with each of the party States and with the Civil Defense Agency and other appropriate agencies of the United States Government. ARTICLE XIII This compact shall continue in force and remain binding on each party State until the Legislature or the Governor of such party State takes action to withdraw therefrom. Such action shall not be effective until 30 days after notice thereof has been sent by the Governor of the party State desiring to withdraw to the Governors of all other party States. ARTICLE XIV This compact shall be construed to effectuate the purposes stated in Article I hereof. If any provision of this compact is declared unconstitutional, or the applicability thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the constitutionality of the remainder of this compact and the applicability thereof to other persons and circumstances shall not be affected thereby. Duly authenticated copies of this act shall, upon its approval, be transmitted to the Governor of each State, to the President of the Senate of the United States, to the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, to the Federal Civil Defense Administration, to the Secretary of State of the United States, and to the Council of State Governments. Nothing contained in this act shall be construed as limiting, directly or indirectly, the power of the Governor to enter into interstate compacts or other agreements, relating to civil defense in an emergency, or impairing in any respect the force and effect thereof. This act shall take effect immediately. L.1963, c. 109.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:10-3 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 10 / Section 10-3
Military courts.
Status: in_force

38A:10-3. The military courts for the militia of this State shall be constituted like similar courts of the armed forces of the United States. They shall have the jurisdiction and powers, except as to punishments, and shall follow the forms and procedures provided for those courts. The convening authority for such military courts and maximum punishments authorized shall be as prescribed by federal and State laws and regulations applicable to the National Guard, provided, however, that special courts-martial may be convened only with the approval of the Adjutant General, Department of Military Affairs. L.1963, c.109; amended 1984,c.181,s.17; 1988,c.138,s.13; 2025, c.139, s.84.
N.J. Stat. § 38:23A-1 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 23A / Section 23A-1
Proof or acknowledgment of deeds or instruments before commissioned officers; "in time of emergency" defined
Status: in_force

Any oath, affirmation or affidavit, required or authorized to be taken or made in any suit or legal proceeding in this State or for any lawful purpose whatever, by any person in the military, naval or air force service of the United States or the spouse of any such person, or by any person who, is serving as a merchant seaman outside the limits of the United States included within the 48 States and the District of Columbia or, is outside said limits by permission, assignment or direction of any department or official of the United States Government in connection with any activity pertaining to the prosecution of any war in which the United States is then engaged, or, in time of emergency, for use within this State or any acknowledgment or proof of any deed or other instrument, relating to real or personal property within this State, by any such person or the spouse of any person in such military, naval or air force service, in order to entitle such deed or instrument to be recorded or filed in any public office of this State, may be taken or made before any commissioned officer of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force or Marine Corps and the recital that he is such commissioned officer, including a recital of his rank and official designation as such and that the person taking or making such oath, affirmation or acknowledgment or making any such proof is in the military, naval or air force service of the United States or is the spouse of any such person or is serving as a merchant seaman outside the limits of the United States included within the 48 States and the District of Columbia or is outside said limits by permission, assignment or direction of any department or official of the United States Government in connection with any activity pertaining to the prosecution of any war in which the United States is then engaged, or in time of emergency, in the jurat or certificate of such oath, affirmation, affidavit, acknowledgment or proof over his signature as such commissioned officer shall be sufficient proof that the person before whom the same is taken or made is such an officer and that such person taking or making such oath, affirmation, affidavit or acknowledgment or making such proof is in the military, naval or air force service of the United States or is the spouse of any such person or is serving as a merchant seaman outside the limits of the United States included within the 48 States and the District of Columbia or is outside said limits by permission, assignment or direction of any department or official of the United States in connection with any activity pertaining to the prosecution of any war in which the United States is then engaged, or in time of emergency at the time of the taking or making the same and such oath, affirmation, affidavit, acknowledgment or proof when so taken or made and certified shall have the same force and effect as though taken or made before any other officer of this State authorized to take oaths, acknowledgments and proofs and any such deed or instrument when so acknowledged or proved, if otherwise sufficient, shall be entitled to recording or filing in any public office of this State without any other or additional certificate of the authority of such officer to take the acknowledgment or proof of the execution thereof. Any such certificate of acknowledgment shall be valid and sufficient to all intents and purposes, if it certifies that the party making such instrument appeared before such officer and acknowledged the same to be his act and deed; and any affidavit of proof by a witness, made before such officer shall be sufficient to all intents and purposes if the affiant swears that the party making such instrument executed and delivered the same as his act and deed. The failure to state the place of execution of any such deed or other instrument or of any such oath, affirmation, affidavit, acknowledgment or proof shall not invalidate the same deed or other instrument or said oath, affirmation, affidavit, acknowledgment or proof. As used in this act the term "in time of emergency" shall mean and include any time after June 23, 1950, and prior to the termination, suspension or revocation of the proclamation of the existence of a national emergency issued by the President of the United States on December 16, 1950, or termination of the existence of such national emergency by appropriate action of the President or Congress of the United States. L.1941, c. 333, p. 889, s. 1. Amended by L.1943, c. 156, p. 438, s. 1; L.1945, c. 234, p. 755, s. 2; L.1951, c. 92, p. 493, s. 1; L.1957, c. 136, p. 521, s. 1; L.1959, c. 74, p. 191, s. 2, eff. June 8, 1959.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:20-5 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 20 / Section 20-5
Emergency Management Assistance Compact.
Status: in_force

2. The Governor is hereby authorized and directed to execute a compact on behalf of this State with any other state legally joining therein in the form substantially as follows: Emergency Management Assistance Compact The contracting states solemnly agree: ARTICLE I PURPOSE This compact is made and entered into by and between the participating member states which enact this compact, hereinafter called party states. For the purposes of this agreement, the term "states" is taken to mean the several states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and all United States territorial possessions. The purpose of this compact is to provide for mutual assistance between the states entering into this compact in managing any emergency or disaster that is duly declared by the governor of the affected state or states, whether arising from natural disaster, technological hazard, man-made disaster, civil emergency due to resource shortages, community disorders, insurgency, or enemy attack. This compact also shall provide for mutual cooperation in emergency-related exercises, testing, or other training activities using equipment and personnel simulating the performance of any aspect of the giving and receiving of aid by party states or subdivisions of party states during emergencies, when such actions occur outside actual declared emergency periods. Mutual assistance in this compact may include the use of the states' National Guard forces, either in accordance with the National Guard Mutual Assistance Compact or by mutual agreement between states. ARTICLE II GENERAL IMPLEMENTATION Each party state entering into this compact recognizes many emergencies transcend political jurisdictional boundaries and that intergovernmental coordination is essential in managing these and other emergencies under this compact. Each state further recognizes that there will be emergencies which require immediate access and procedures to apply outside resources to make a prompt and effective response to such an emergency. This is because few, if any, individual states have all the resources they may need in all types of emergencies or the capability of delivering resources to areas where emergencies exist. The prompt, full, and effective utilization of resources of the participating states, including any resources on hand or available from the Federal Government or any other source, that are essential to the safety, care, and welfare of the people in the event of any emergency or disaster declared by a party state, shall be the underlying principle on which all articles of this Compact shall be understood. On behalf of the governor of each state participating in the compact, the legally designated state official who is assigned responsibility for emergency management will be responsible for formulation of the appropriate interstate mutual aid plans and procedures necessary to implement this compact. ARTICLE III PARTY STATE RESPONSIBILITIES 1. It shall be the responsibility of each party state to formulate procedural plans and programs for interstate cooperation in the performance of the responsibilities listed in this article. In formulating such plans, and in carrying them out, the party states, insofar as practical, shall: a. Review individual state hazards analyses and, to the extent reasonably possible, determine all those potential emergencies the party states might jointly suffer, whether due to natural disaster, technological hazard, man-made disaster, resource shortages, civil disorders, insurgency, or enemy attack. b. Review party states' individual emergency plans and develop a plan which will determine the mechanism for the interstate management and provision of assistance concerning any potential emergency. c. Develop interstate procedures to fill any identified gaps and to resolve any identified inconsistencies or overlaps in existing or developed plans. d. Assist in warning communities adjacent to or crossing the state boundaries. e. Protect and assure uninterrupted delivery of services, medicines, water, food, energy and fuel, search and rescue, and critical lifeline equipment, services, and resources, both human and material. f. Inventory and set procedures for the interstate loan and delivery of human and material resources, together with procedures for reimbursement or forgiveness. g. Provide, to the extent authorized by law, for temporary suspension of any statutes or ordinances that restrict the implementation of the above responsibilities. 2. The authorized representative of a party state may request assistance of another party state by contacting the authorized representative of that state. The provisions of this agreement shall only apply to requests for assistance made by and to authorized representatives. Requests may be verbal or in writing. If verbal, the request shall be confirmed in writing within 30 days of the verbal request. Requests shall provide the following information: a. A description of the emergency service function for which assistance is needed, such as but not limited to fire services, law enforcement, emergency medical, transportation, communications, public works and engineering, building inspection, planning and information assistance, mass care, resource support, health and medical services, and search and rescue. b. The amount and type of personnel, equipment, materials and supplies needed, and a reasonable estimate of the length of time they will be needed. c. The specific place and time for staging of the assisting party's response and a point of contact at that location. 3. There shall be frequent consultation between state officials who have assigned emergency management responsibilities and other appropriate representatives of the party states with affected jurisdictions and the United States Government, with free exchange of information, plans, and resource records relating to emergency capabilities. ARTICLE IV LIMITATIONS Any party state requested to render mutual aid or conduct exercises and training for mutual aid shall take such action as is necessary to provide and make available the resources covered by this compact in accordance with its terms; except that it is understood that the state rendering aid may withhold resources to the extent necessary to provide reasonable protection for such state. Each party state shall afford to the emergency forces of any party state, while operating within its state limits under the terms and conditions of this compact, the same powers (except that of arrest unless specifically authorized by the receiving state), duties, rights, and privileges as are afforded forces of the state in which they are performing emergency services. Emergency forces shall continue under the command and control of their regular leaders, but the organizational units shall come under the operational control of the emergency services authorities of the state receiving assistance. These conditions may be activated, as needed, only subsequent to a declaration of a state of emergency or disaster by the governor of the party state that is to receive assistance or commencement of exercises or training for mutual aid and shall continue so long as the exercises or training for mutual aid are in progress, the state of emergency or disaster remains in effect or loaned resources remain in the receiving state or states, whichever is longer. ARTICLE V LICENSES AND PERMITS Whenever any person holds a license, certificate, or other permit issued by any state party to the compact evidencing the meeting of qualifications for professional, mechanical, or other skills, and when such assistance is requested by the receiving party state, such person shall be deemed licensed, certified, or permitted by the state requesting assistance to render aid involving such skill to meet a declared emergency or disaster, subject to such limitations and conditions as the governor of the requesting state may prescribe by executive order or otherwise. ARTICLE VI LIABILITY Officers or employees of a party state rendering aid to another state pursuant to this compact shall be considered agents of the requesting state for tort liability and immunity purposes; and no party state or its officers or employees rendering aid in another state pursuant to this compact shall be liable on account of any act or omission in good faith on the part of such forces while so engaged or on account of the maintenance or use of any equipment or supplies in connection therewith. Good faith in this article shall not include willful misconduct, gross negligence, or recklessness. ARTICLE VII SUPPLEMENTARY AGREEMENTS Inasmuch as it is probable that the pattern and detail of the machinery for mutual aid among two or more states may differ from that among the states that are party hereto, this instrument contains elements of a broad base common to all states, and nothing herein contained shall preclude any state from entering into supplementary agreements with another state or affect any other agreements already in force between states. Supplementary agreements may include, but shall not be limited to, provisions for evacuation and reception of injured and other persons and the exchange of medical, fire, police, public utility, reconnaissance, welfare, transportation and communications personnel, and equipment and supplies. ARTICLE VIII COMPENSATION Each party state shall provide for the payment of compensation and death benefits to injured members of the emergency forces of that state and representatives of deceased members of such forces in case such members sustain injuries or are killed while rendering aid pursuant to this compact, in the same manner and on the same terms as if the injury or death were sustained within their own state. ARTICLE IX REIMBURSEMENT Any party state rendering aid in another state pursuant to this compact shall be reimbursed by the party state receiving such aid for any loss or damage to or expense incurred in the operation of any equipment and the provision of any service in answering a request for aid and for the costs incurred in connection with such requests; except that any aiding party state may assume in whole or in part such loss, damage, expense, or other cost, or may loan such equipment or donate such services to the receiving party state without charge or cost; and furthermore, that any two or more party states may enter into supplementary agreements establishing a different allocation of costs among those states. Article VIII expenses shall not be reimbursable under this provision. ARTICLE X EVACUATION Plans for the orderly evacuation and interstate reception of portions of the civilian population as the result of any emergency or disaster of sufficient proportions to so warrant, shall be worked out and maintained between the party states and the emergency management or services directors of the various jurisdictions where any type of incident requiring evacuations might occur. Such plans shall be put into effect by request of the state from which evacuees come and shall include the manner of transporting such evacuees, the number of evacuees to be received in different areas, the manner in which food, clothing, housing, and medical care will be provided, the registration of the evacuees, the providing of facilities for the notification of relatives or friends, and the forwarding of such evacuees to other areas or the bringing in of additional materials, supplies, and all other relevant factors. Such plans shall provide that the party state receiving evacuees and the party state from which the evacuees come shall mutually agree as to reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses incurred in receiving and caring for such evacuees, for expenditures for transportation, food, clothing, medicines and medical care, and like items. Such expenditures shall be reimbursed as agreed by the party state from which the evacuees come. After the termination of the emergency or disaster, the party state from which the evacuees come shall assume the responsibility for the ultimate support or repatriation of such evacuees. ARTICLE XI IMPLEMENTATION This compact shall become operative immediately upon its enactment into law by any two states; thereafter, this compact shall become effective as to any other state upon its enactment by such state. Any party state may withdraw from this compact by enacting a statute repealing the same, but no such withdrawal shall take effect until 30 days after the governor of the withdrawing state has given notice in writing of such withdrawal to the governors of all other party states. Such action shall not relieve the withdrawing state from obligations assumed hereunder prior to the effective date of withdrawal. Duly authenticated copies of this compact and of such supplementary agreements as may be entered into shall, at the time of their approval, be deposited with each of the party states and with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other appropriate agencies of the United States Government. ARTICLE XII VALIDITY This act shall be construed to effectuate the purposes stated in Article I of this compact. If any provision of this compact is declared unconstitutional, or the applicability thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the constitutionality of the remainder of this act and its applicability to other persons and circumstances shall not be affected. ARTICLE XIII ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS Nothing in this compact shall authorize or permit the use of military force by the National Guard of a state at any place outside that state in any emergency for which the President is authorized by law to call into federal service the militia, or for any purpose for which the use of the Army or the Air Force would, in the absence of express statutory authorization, be prohibited under Section 1385 of Title 18 of the United States Code. L.2001,c.249,s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 38:18-1 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 18 / Section 18-1
Soldier, time of emergency defined
Status: in_force

38:18-1. As used in this chapter the word "soldier" means and includes any officer, soldier, sailor, marine, airman, nurse or any other person, male or female, regularly enlisted or inducted, who was or shall have been a part of the military or naval forces of the United States, and who took part in any war in which the United States was engaged, or who took part or shall have taken part in the present wars with the governments of Japan, Germany and Italy, or any of them, including any member of the American Merchant Marine who is declared by the United States Department of Defense to be eligible for federal veterans' benefits, or who served or shall have served in the active military or naval service of the United States in time of emergency as herein defined, and who was a resident of this State at the time he was or shall be commissioned, enlisted, inducted, appointed or mustered into the military or naval service of the United States, and who has been or shall have been given an honorable or ordinary discharge or release therefrom, and continues to be a resident of this State. As used herein the term "in time of emergency" shall mean and include any time after June 23, 1950, and on or prior to January 31, 1955. Amended 1945,c.106,s.1; 1946,c.85,s.1; 1951,c.17; 1991,c.389,s.13.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:13-13 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 13 / Section 13-13
Quarterly consultations.
Status: in_force

4. In establishing the helpline authorized under the provisions of section 2 of this act, P.L.2011, c.116 (C.38A:13-11) the Adjutant General of the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs and University Behavioral Healthcare of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey shall consult on a quarterly basis with the New Jersey Division of Mental Health Services within the Department of Human Services, the United States Department of Veterans' Affairs, the New Jersey Veterans Healthcare Network, at least two New Jersey Veteran Centers, and at least two State recognized veteran groups. L.2011, c.116, s.4; amended 2012, c.45, s.123.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:4-13 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 4 / Section 4-13
Free passage on toll roads and other toll facilities
Status: in_force

Any member of the New Jersey National Guard while going to, or returning from, any parade, encampment, drill, or meeting which he may be required to attend under the laws and regulations for said National Guard, shall, together with his conveyance and the military property of the State or of the United States, or both, in his charge, be allowed to pass free of charge through all toll gates and over all toll roads, bridges and ferries within this State, if he is in uniform or if he presents an order for duty or a certificate from his commanding officer that he is a member of the National Guard. L.1968, c. 352, s. 1, eff. Nov. 25, 1968.
N.J. Stat. § 38:23B-2 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 23B / Section 23B-2
Veterans loan authority
Status: in_force

There is hereby created in the Department of Economic Development a "veterans loan authority," hereinafter referred to as the "authority," which shall be a body corporate and politic, with corporate succession. The functions, powers and duties of the authority shall be vested in and may be exercised by the commissioner of the Department of Economic Development, hereinafter referred to as the "commissioner." L.1944, c. 126, p. 345, s. 2.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:7-5 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 7 / Section 7-5
Inactive National Guard
Status: in_force

There may be an inactive National Guard consisting of officers and enlisted members. The composition, purposes and general regulations governing the same shall be in accordance with Federal laws and regulations. L.1963, c. 109.
N.J. Stat. § 38:23B-13 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 23B / Section 23B-13
Cost of loan
Status: in_force

The entire cost to the borrower of making any loan, regardless of amount, shall be included in a single charge of ten dollars ($10.00) for all costs, exclusive of interest, of which two dollars ($2.00) shall be paid by the bank to the authority; except, however, that whenever any veteran's loan is, under the provisions of this act, required to be secured by a lien on property purchased with all or part of the proceeds of such loan, an additional amount, not to exceed a maximum amount which shall be prescribed by the commissioner, may be charged to the borrower to defray the expenses incurred in connection with the making of the instrument creating the lien, including search fees and recording fees. L.1944, c. 126, p. 348, s. 13. Amended by L.1946, c. 121, p. 566, s. 11.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:3-46 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 3 / Section 3-46
Website to provide access to information about institutions of higher education for veterans.
Status: in_force

2. The Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs shall provide a link on its website to access the directory of public and independent institutions of higher education located on the website of the New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education. The link shall be placed on the page of the department's website that lists the education benefits available to veterans. L.2011, c.151, s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:19-3 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 19 / Section 19-3
Act not to be printed in Pamphlet Law
Status: in_force

This act shall not be printed in the Pamphlet Law of this or any other session of the Legislature. L.1963, c. 109, eff. July 1, 1963.
N.J. Stat. § 38:23C-4 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 23C / Section 23C-4
Default in appearance; affidavit; bond to indemnify defendant
Status: in_force

In any civil action or proceeding commenced in any court, if there shall be a default of an appearance by the defendant, and plaintiff, within 20 days before the entry of judgment or final order, shall file in the court an affidavit setting forth facts showing that the defendant is not in military service. If unable to file such affidavit, plaintiff shall in lieu thereof file an affidavit setting forth either that the defendant is in the military service or that plaintiff is not able to determine whether or not defendant is in such service. If an affidavit is not filed showing that the defendant is not in the military service, no judgment or final order shall be entered without first securing an order of court directing such entry, and no such order shall be made if the defendant is in such service until after the court shall have appointed an attorney to represent defendant and protect his interest, and the court shall on application make such appointment. Unless it appears that the defendant is not in such service the court may require, as a condition before judgment or final order is entered, that the plaintiff file a bond, approved by the court, conditioned to indemnify the defendant, if in military service, against any loss or damage that he may suffer by reason of any judgment or final order should the judgment or final order be thereafter set aside in whole or in part. And the court may make such other and further order or enter such judgment as in its opinion may be necessary to protect the rights of the defendant under this act. L.1979, c. 317, s. 4, eff. Jan. 18, 1980.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:3-1.2 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 3 / Section 3-1.2
Department defined.
Status: in_force

2. As used in chapter 3 of Title 38A of the New Jersey Statutes, "department" means the Department of Military Affairs established pursuant to N.J.S.38A:3-1 et seq., as amended. L. 1987, c. 444, s. 2; amended 1988,c.138,s.3; 2025, c.139, s.74.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:25-3 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 25 / Section 25-3
Gold Star Family Counseling Program.
Status: in_force

38A:25-3. There is established in the Department of Veterans Affairs the "Gold Star Family Counseling Program." The purpose of this program is to link mental health care professionals with Gold Star family members to facilitate the provision of mental health counseling free of charge to Gold Star family members. The Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs shall create and implement the "Gold Star Family Counseling Program" as follows: a. The department shall recruit mental health care professionals to donate professional counseling hours to provide mental health counseling to Gold Star family members. The department may coordinate the recruitment efforts with the federal Department of Veterans Affairs. b. The department shall coordinate with the federal Department of Veterans Affairs to maintain a list of mental health care professionals who are available to provide professional mental health counseling hours to Gold Star family members. c. The department shall maintain and distribute the list of available mental health care professionals on a Statewide basis and shall distribute the list of available mental health care professionals to each county veteran service office for the distribution thereof. d. The department shall create a system for monitoring and verifying the donated hours to facilitate the tax credit provided to mental health care professionals pursuant to section 6 of P.L.2017, c.174 (C.54A:4-16). e. The department shall provide documentation annually to the mental health care professional for submission to the Department of the Treasury to verify the amount of tax credit the mental health care professional is eligible to request annually pursuant to section 6 of P.L.2017, c.174 (C.54A:4-16). The amount of annual tax credit shall be determined by the department as the sum of the hours of donated counseling provided to the Gold Star family member multiplied by the documented compensation rate applied to these hours. To determine the compensation rate, the department shall use the calendar year TRICARE rate for the service provided in the geographic location in which the service is provided. The department shall limit the cumulative hours which are authorized for the annual tax credit to a minimum of 20 hours and a maximum of 40 hours per year, per professional. f. All mental health care professionals volunteering for the "Gold Star Family Counseling Program" established pursuant to this section shall be immune from civil liability as provided in P.L.1991, c.270 (C.2A:62A-16 et seq.). g. The department may apply for and accept on behalf of the State any grants from the federal government or any agency thereof, or from any foundation, corporation, association, or individual, except for education grants or federal funds for education grants, and may comply with the terms, conditions, and limitations thereof, to develop and implement the "Gold Star Family Counseling Program" established pursuant to this section. Any money so received may be expended by the department, subject to any limitations imposed in such grants, upon warrant of the Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting of the Department of the Treasury. L.2025, c.139, s.60.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:3-59 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 3 / Section 3-59
Assistance for certain service members with petitions to change discharge designations.
Status: in_force

1. a. All former service members of the Armed Forces who were separated from the service with a general or other than honorable discharge due solely to their sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression, may request that the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs assist them to have the designation of his or her discharge changed and recorded as honorable. b. The Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs shall: (1) create, publish, and distribute material to all public agencies of the availability of the assistance; and (2) create a consistent and uniform process to assist a former service member with the appropriate and necessary forms and conditions prescribed by federal law, so that he or she may petition the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, or its successor agency, to change the designation of his or her discharge to honorable. At no time shall a fee be charged to a former service member for seeking assistance to have the designation of his or her discharge changed to honorable. c. A former service member who has the designation of his or her discharge changed to honorable shall be afforded the same rights, privileges, and benefits authorized by State law to service members who were honorably discharged. d. Information related to the change in the designation of a discharge, including, but not limited to, a request for assistance, shall be confidential and not accessible to the public as a government record pursuant to P.L.1963, c.73 (C.47:1A-1 et seq.). e. The Adjutant General shall, in accordance with the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), adopt any rules and regulations as the Adjutant General deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this act, P.L.2021, c.56. L.2021, c.56.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:2-1 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 2 / Section 2-1
Governor to be commander-in-chief
Status: in_force

The Governor, or other person administering the government, shall be the commander-in-chief of the militia of this State, except as to any part thereof called or ordered into Federal service. L.1963, c. 109.
N.J. Stat. § 38:23B-10 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 23B / Section 23B-10
Effect of approval
Status: in_force

Upon approval by the commissioner of a veterans' loan application, any bank may make the loan as approved and upon the terms and conditions required under this act. L.1944, c. 126, p. 347, s. 10, eff. July 1, 1944.
N.J. Stat. § 38:23B-9.1 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 23B / Section 23B-9.1
Approval of application for loan to purchase household furnishings
Status: in_force

Any application for a loan to finance the purchase of household furnishings or household appliances, or both, made under this act shall be submitted to the commissioner for his approval. The commissioner shall approve the application only if he finds that: a. The purpose of the loan is to finance the purchase by the applicant of specific household furnishings or household appliances, or both; and b. Such household property is required by the applicant for use in his home; and c. The amount of the loan would not exceed the maximum amount reasonably necessary to purchase such household property or one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), whichever is less; and d. The conditions under which the applicant proposes to finance the purchase of such household property are reasonably favorable for the successful liquidation of the loan. L.1946, c. 121, p. 563, s. 8.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21-1 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 21 / Section 21-1
Short title.
Status: in_force

38A:21-1. This act, N.J.S.38A:21-1 et al., shall be known and may be cited as the "New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs Act." L.2025, c.139, s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 38:25A-12 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 25A / Section 25A-12
Municipal regulation of sale of forget-me-nots
Status: in_force

Nothing in this act shall in anyway limit or interfere with the right of the governing body or law enforcement agency of any municipality of the State of New Jersey to enact by ordinance, resolution or otherwise, regulations governing the sale of forget-me-nots within said municipality; provided, that no such regulations shall extend the right of sale by persons, or for purposes, other than those mentioned in section three of this act, nor shall permit the sale of forget-me-nots other than those designated in section four of this act. L.1939, c. 135, p. 458, s. 5, eff. July 1, 1939.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:3-9 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 3 / Section 3-9
United States Property and Fiscal Officer.
Status: in_force

The Governor shall appoint, designate or detail, subject to Federal laws and regulations, an officer of the National Guard of this State to be the United States Property and Fiscal Officer for this State. All such powers, functions and duties which are or may be imposed upon the United States Property and Fiscal Officer of the State by Federal laws and regulations shall be exercised and performed by such officer. L.1963, c. 109.
N.J. Stat. § 38:16-1 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 16 / Section 16-1
Removal of veterans from office or position
Status: in_force

38:16-1. No person now holding any employment, position or office under the government of this State, or the government of any county or municipality, including any person employed by a school board or board of education, or who may hereafter be appointed to any such employment, office or position, whose term of employment, office or position is not now fixed by law, and receiving a salary from such State, county or municipality, including any person employed by a school board or board of education, who has served as a soldier, sailor, marine or nurse, in any war of the United States, or in the New Jersey State militia during the period of the World War, or who served as a member of the American Merchant Marine during World War II and is declared by the United States Department of Defense to be eligible for federal veterans' benefits, and has been honorably discharged from the service of the United States or from such militia, or from such merchant marine service, prior to or during such employment in or occupancy of such position or office, shall be removed from such employment, position or office, except for good cause shown after a fair and impartial hearing, but such person shall hold his employment, position or office during good behavior, and shall not be removed for political reasons. For the purposes of this section no term of office, position or employment of any person shall be deemed to be fixed by law or coterminous with that of the employing or appointing board or body by reason of the fact that such person was or is appointed or employed by a noncontinuous board or body; provided, however, that in no event is it intended that this act shall apply to appointments made for a fixed or stated period of time. Amended 1942,c.83; 1991,c.389,s.9.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21A-5 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 21A / Section 21A-5
Veteran Advocate, receiving, investigating complaints from veterans, family.
Status: in_force

5. The Veteran Advocate shall serve as an ombudsman for veterans and their families by receiving and investigating complaints from veterans and family members of veterans in this State and issuing reports regarding issues with veteran’s services provided by any State entity or any private entity that receives State funding for providing veteran’s services regardless of whether or not the veteran resides in a veterans’ facility, as defined by section 4 of P.L.2025, c.172 (C.38A:21A-4). The Veteran Advocate shall review, monitor, and report on the performance of State entities and State-funded private entities charged with the care and supervision of veterans by conducting research audits or other studies of case records, policies, procedures, and protocols, as deemed necessary by the Veteran Advocate to assess the performance of the entities. L.2025, c.172, s.5.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:18-2 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 18 / Section 18-2
Authority of Governor
Status: in_force

With the prior or subsequent consent of the Congress of the United States, the Governor, on behalf of this State, is authorized to enter into, amend, supplement and implement agreements or compacts with the executive authorities of other States, providing for mutual military aid, and matters incidental thereto, in an emergency. L.1963, c. 109.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:20-2 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 20 / Section 20-2
Interstate Compact for Mutual Military Aid in an Emergency
Status: in_force

An Act concerning mutual military aid and assistance by and between the State of New Jersey and other States, in an emergency, and approving and agreeing to an interstate compact therefor. (L.1951, c. 2, Approved February 15, 1951.) WHEREAS, On the twelfth day of December, one thousand nine hundred and fifty, the Governor of the State of New York, for and on behalf of the State of New York, and the Governor of the State of New Jersey, for and on behalf of the State of New Jersey, agreed to an interstate compact for mutual military aid and assistance between such respective States, in an emergency; and WHEREAS, Article II of said compact provides: "This compact shall become effective as to the signatory States when the Legislatures thereof have approved it and when the Congress has given its consent either before or after the date hereof. Any State not a party to this compact at the date hereof may become a party hereto."; and WHEREAS, It is the purpose and object of said compact to promote the national security and the security of the States signatory thereto, and further protect the public health, safety and welfare; and WHEREAS, It is the purpose and object of this act to approve said interstate compact; and WHEREAS, By the provisions of chapter 68 of the laws of 1950, the Governor of this State is authorized from time to time to enter into agreements with Governors of States bordering on New Jersey for the protection in the event of emergency of interstate bridges, tunnels, ferries and other communications facilities between New Jersey and such other States; therefore The State of New Jersey does hereby agree to, approve, and enter into a solemn compact with the State of New York (upon that State concurring therein, or otherwise approving thereof, by appropriate legislation) and with such other States as likewise concur therein or otherwise approve thereof, in form and terms as heretofore agreed to by the Governor of the State of New Jersey and the Governor of the State of New York, as follows: An Interstate Compact for Mutual Military Aid in an Emergency ARTICLE I (1) The purposes of this compact are: a. to provide for mutual military aid and assistance in an emergency by the military forces of a signatory State to the military forces of the other signatory States or of the United States, including among other military missions, the protection of interstate bridges, tunnels, ferries, pipe lines, communications facilities and other vital installations, plants and facilities; and the military support of civil defense agencies; b. to provide for the fresh pursuit in case of an emergency, by the military forces or any part or member thereof of a signatory State into another State, of insurrectionists, saboteurs, enemies or enemy forces or persons seeking or appearing to seek to overthrow the government of the United States or of a signatory State; c. to make provision for the powers, duties, rights, privileges and immunities of the members of the military forces of a signatory State while so engaged outside of their own State. (2) a. "Emergency" as used in this compact shall mean and include invasion or other hostile action, disaster, insurrection or imminent danger thereof. b. "State" as used in this compact shall include any signatory State. c. "Military forces" as used in this compact shall include the organized militia, or any force thereof, of a signatory State. ARTICLE II This compact shall become effective as to the signatory States when the Legislatures thereof have approved it and when the Congress has given its consent either before or after the date hereof. Any State not a party to this compact at the date hereof may become a party hereto. ARTICLE III The Governor of each signatory State or his designated military representative shall constitute the Committee for Mutual Military Aid for the signatory States. It shall be the duty of the Committee for Mutual Military Aid to make joint plans for the employment of the military forces of the signatory States for mutual military aid and assistance in case of emergency. ARTICLE IV (1) It shall be the duty of each signatory State to integrate its plan for the employment of its military forces in case of emergency with the joint plans recommended by the Committee for Mutual Military Aid and with the emergency plans of the armed forces of the United States. (2) In case of emergency, upon the request of the Governor of a signatory State, the Governor of each signatory State, to the extent consistent with the needs of his own State, shall order its military forces or such part thereof as he, in his discretion, may find necessary, to assist the military forces of the requesting State in order to carry out the purposes set forth in this compact. In such case, it shall be the duty of the Governor of each signatory State receiving such a request to issue the necessary orders for such use of the military forces of his State without the borders of his State and to direct the commander of such forces to place them under the operational control of the commander of the forces of the requesting State or of the United States which may be engaged in meeting the emergency. (3) The Governor of any signatory State, in his discretion, may recall the military forces of his State serving without its borders or any part or any member of such forces. ARTICLE V In case of an emergency, any unit or member of the military forces of a signatory State which has been ordered into active service by the Governor may upon order of the officer in immediate command thereof continue beyond the borders of his own State into another signatory State in fresh pursuit of insurrectionists, saboteurs, enemies or enemy forces or persons seeking or appearing to seek to overthrow the government of the United States or of any one of the signatory States, until they are apprehended by such unit or member. Any such person who shall be apprehended or captured in a signatory State by a unit or member of the military forces of another signatory State shall without unnecessary delay be surrendered to the military or police forces of the State in which he is taken or to the forces of the United States. Such surrender shall not constitute a waiver by the State of the military forces making the capture, of its right to extradite or prosecute such persons for any crime committed in that State. ARTICLE VI (1) Whenever the military forces or any part thereof of any signatory State are engaged outside of their own State in carrying out the purposes of this compact, the individual members of such military forces so engaged shall not be liable, civilly or criminally, for any act or acts done by them in the performance of their duty. (2) The individual members of such forces shall have the same powers, duties, rights, privileges and immunities as the members of the military forces of the State in which they are engaged, but in any event, (3) Each signatory State shall save harmless any member of its military forces wherever serving and any member of the military forces of any other signatory State serving within its borders for any act or acts done by them in the performance of their duty while engaged in carrying out the purposes of this compact. ARTICLE VII (1) Each signatory State shall provide, in the same amounts and manner as if they were on duty within their own State, for the pay and allowances of the personnel of its military forces, and for the medical and hospital expenses, disability and death benefits, pensions and funeral expenses of wounded, injured or sick personnel and of dependents or representatives of deceased personnel of its military forces, in case such personnel shall suffer wounds, injuries, disease, disability or death while engaged without the State pursuant to this compact and while going to and returning from such other signatory State. Each signatory State shall provide in the same amounts and manner as if they were on duty within their own State for the logistical support and for other costs and expenses of its military forces while engaged without the State pursuant to this compact and while going to and returning from such other signatory State. (2) Any signatory State rendering outside aid in case of insurrection or disaster not the result of invasion or hostile action, shall, if it so elects be reimbursed by the signatory State receiving such aid for the pay and allowances of its personnel, logistical support and all other costs and expenses referred to in section 1 of this article and incurred in connection with the request for aid. Such election shall be exercised by the Governor of the aiding State presenting a statement and request for reimbursement of such costs and expenses to the Governor of the requesting State. ARTICLE VIII Nothing in this compact shall be construed to limit or restrict the power of any signatory State in case of an emergency affecting that State only, to provide for the internal defense of any part of the territory of said State or for the protection and control of any bridge, tunnel, ferry, installation, plant or facility or any part thereof within the borders of such State or to prohibit the enforcement of any laws, rules and regulations or the execution of any plan with regard thereto. ARTICLE IX This compact shall continue in force and remain binding on each signatory State until the Legislature or the Governor of such State gives notice of withdrawal therefrom. Such notice of withdrawal shall not be effective until 6 months after said notice has been given to the Governor of each of the other signatory States. In Witness Whereof, the States whose Governors have signed below have become parties to this compact. 12 December 1950. ................................................. Thomas E. Dewey (Signed) [ SEAL ] Governor of New York. Attest: ........................................ Thomas J. Curran (Signed) Secretary of State of the State of New York. ................................................. Alfred E. Driscoll (Signed) [ SEAL ] Governor of New Jersey. By the Governor: ................................ Lloyd B. Marsh (Signed) Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey. Nothing contained in this act shall be construed as limiting, directly or indirectly, the power of the Governor to enter into interstate compacts or other agreements relating to mutual military aid and assistance in an emergency or impairing in any respect the force and effect thereof. This act shall take effect immediately. L.1963, c. 109.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:10-1 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 10 / Section 10-1
Persons subject
Status: in_force

All members of the organized militia, and all other persons lawfully called, ordered or drafted for duty in the organized militia from the dates they are required by the terms of the call, order or other directive to obey the same, are subject to this chapter. L.1963, c. 109.
N.J. Stat. § 38:23B-14.7 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 23B / Section 23B-14.7
Repeal
Status: in_force

Section fifteen of the act of which this act is amendatory and supplementary is repealed. L.1945, c. 185, p. 630, s. 14.
N.J. Stat. § 38:23B-12.1 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 23B / Section 23B-12.1
Terms of loan for purchase of household furnishings
Status: in_force

Each loan to finance the purchase of household furnishings or household appliances, or both, made under this act shall: a. Be evidenced by a note or notes or other obligation approved by the commissioner. b. Bear interest at a rate not exceeding four per centum (4%) per annum upon the unpaid balance. c. Be payable in monthly or quarterly installments of principal and interest, the first of which shall be payable not less than three months after the making of the loan and the last of which shall be payable not exceeding two years from the date of the obligation; except, however, that any veteran at his option, may, on such form as the commissioner shall prescribe, waive the grace period, or any part thereof, herein provided him for the payment of the first installment of principal and interest. d. Be secured only by the personal liability of the maker, and not by any endorsers, comakers, collateral or other security; except that a lien on the property purchased with the proceeds of the loan shall be required, and, in accordance with such rules and regulations as prescribed by the commissioner, where the maker is married endorsement of the spouse may be required. L.1946, c. 121, p. 565, s. 10. Amended by L.1947, c. 190, p. 840, s. 2.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:23-6 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 23 / Section 23-6
Removal from veterans' facility.
Status: in_force

38A:23-6. Any person may be removed from a veterans' facility on being restored the ability to promote the person’s own support and welfare in the community, for immorality, for fraud or willful misrepresentation, or for refusal to abide by the rules, regulations, and discipline of the veterans' facility. L.2025, c.139, s.28.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:7-1 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 7 / Section 7-1
Organizations and units
Status: in_force

The National Guard shall consist of those organizations and units which are or hereafter may be authorized by Federal law and regulations issued thereunder for the National Guard. No change in branch, organization or allotment of a unit may be made without approval of the Governor. L.1963, c. 109.
N.J. Stat. § 38:23B-6 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 23B / Section 23B-6
Authority to make loans under act
Status: in_force

With the exception of a building and loan association, any financial corporation under the supervision of the Department of Banking and Insurance and any national bank organized under the laws of the United States and doing business in this State, which are hereinafter referred to as "any bank," may, any other provisions of law to the contrary notwithstanding, make veterans' loans under this act, pursuant to such rules and regulations not inconsistent herewith, and using such forms, as the commissioner may prescribe. L.1944, c. 126, p. 346, s. 6. Amended by L.1945, c. 185, p. 625, s. 2, eff. April 17, 1945.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:3-17 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 3 / Section 3-17
Council members entitled to reimbursement
Status: in_force

3. All members of the council shall serve without compensation, but they shall be entitled to be reimbursed for all necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. L.1992,c.86,s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 38:23-2 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 23 / Section 23-2
Leave of absence for State or national conventions
Status: in_force

38:23-2. The head of every public department and of every court of this State, every superintendent or foreman on the public works of this State, the heads of the county offices of the several counties and the head of every department, bureau and office in the government of the various municipalities, shall give a leave of absence with pay to every person in the service of the State, county or municipality who is a duly authorized representative of the Grand Army of the Republic, United Spanish-American War Veterans, Disabled American Veterans, Disabled American Veterans' Auxiliary, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Ladies Auxiliaries of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Ladies Auxiliary, Veterans of World War I of the U.S.A., American Gold Star Mothers, Indian War Veterans, American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, Jewish War Veterans of the United States, Ladies Auxiliary, Department of New Jersey, Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A., Catholic War Veterans of the United States, Ladies Auxiliary of New Jersey State Department, Catholic War Veterans, The 369th Veterans Association, Incorporated, Women's Overseas Service League, American Veterans of World War Two, Korea and Vietnam, and AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary, Reserve Officers Association of the United States, Marine Corps League of the United States, Army and Navy Legion of Valor, the Twenty-ninth Division Association, Council of State Employees, War Veteran Public Employees Association, New Jersey Civil Service Association, Blind Veterans Association of New Jersey, Army and Air National Guard Association of New Jersey, The National Guard Association of the United States, The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Navy League, Veterans of World War I of the United States of America, Polish Legion of American Veterans, Polish Legion of American Veterans, Ladies Auxiliary, the Italian American War Veterans of the United States, Incorporated, the Ladies Auxiliary, Italian American War Veterans of the United States, Incorporated, the New Jersey Firemen's Association, the New Jersey State Exempt Firemen's Association and the Tuskegee Airmen, Incorporated, to attend any State or national convention of such organization. A certificate of attendance to the State convention or encampment shall, upon request, be submitted by the representative so attending. Leave of absence shall be for a period inclusive of the duration of the convention with a reasonable time allowed for time to travel to and from the convention. No person shall be entitled to a total of more than five days' leave of absence with pay each calendar year for the purpose of attending, as authorized representative, the State or national convention of one or more of the above enumerated organizations. The leaves of absence authorized hereunder shall not be cumulative and any unused leaves shall be canceled at the end of any given year. Amended 1940,c.25; 1945,c.176; 1947,c.271; 1948,c.404,ss.1,2; 1951,c.219; 1952,c.207; 1954,c.114; 1955,c.149; 1962,c.32,s.1; 1962,c.210,s.1; 1963,c.63,s.1; 1964,c.145; 1965,c.181; 1966,c.232,s.1; 1967,c.233; 1975,c.263; 1975,c.332; 1977,c.106; 1993,c.79.
N.J. Stat. § 38:23B-14 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 23B / Section 23B-14
Extension of loan
Status: in_force

Subject to such rules and regulations as the commissioner may prescribe, any veteran's loan heretofore or hereafter made under and pursuant to the provisions of this act for a period of less than six years may be extended or refinanced in the discretion of the bank without affecting the obligation of the authority hereunder; provided, provision is made for complete discharge of the obligation, and interest thereon, not later than six years from the date of the original loan. Except as the commissioner may prescribe in the terms of any instrument creating a lien required under the provisions of this act, installments may not be accelerated on any veteran's loan unless the loan is more than three months in arrears. A loan may be reduced at any time in the option of the borrower. L.1944, c. 126, p. 348, s. 14. Amended by L.1945, c. 185, p. 627, s. 6; L.1946, c. 121, p. 566, s. 12.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:10-9 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 10 / Section 10-9
Reporter and witness fees
Status: in_force

Any witness subpoenaed to appear before any military court shall receive the same fees as are provided by law for witnesses appearing in a civil court. The reporter of any court shall be paid for stenographic services the same fees as are provided by law for similar services in civil courts. L.1963, c. 109.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21-18 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 21 / Section 21-18
Department of Veterans Affairs, divisions, memorial services.
Status: in_force

38A:21-18. The department, through its divisions, shall: a. supervise and operate all New Jersey Veterans' Memorial Homes, including: the New Jersey Veterans' Memorial Home-Menlo Park; the New Jersey Veterans' Memorial Home-Vineland; and the New Jersey Veterans' Memorial Home-Paramus; b. supervise and operate all New Jersey Veterans’ Memorial Cemeteries, including the New Jersey Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Arneytown; and c. supervise and operate all veterans’ homeless shelter facilities owned by the State, including Veterans Haven North and Veterans Haven South. L.2025, c.139, s.16.
N.J. Stat. § 38:18A-1 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 18A / Section 18A-1
"Veteran" and "in time of emergency" defined
Status: in_force

1. As used in this act, the word "veteran" means and includes any officer, soldier, sailor, marine, airman, nurse, or any other person, male or female, regularly enlisted or inducted, who was or shall have been a part of the active military or naval forces of the United States, and who took part or shall have taken part in any war in which the United States was engaged, or who took part or shall have taken part in the wars with the governments of Japan, Germany and Italy, or any of them, including any member of the American Merchant Marine who is declared by the United States Department of Defense to be eligible for federal veterans' benefits, or who served or shall have served in the active military or naval service of the United States in time of emergency as herein defined, and who was a resident of this State at the time he was or shall be commissioned, enlisted, inducted, appointed or mustered into the active military or naval service of the United States, and who has been or shall have been given a discharge or release therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable and continues to be a resident of this State. As used in this act the term "in time of emergency" shall mean (a) the Korean conflict and include any time after June 23, 1950, and prior to July 27, 1953 and (b) the Vietnam conflict and include any time after December 31, 1960, and prior to August 1, 1974. L.1947,c.263,s.1; amended 1949,c.192,s.1; 1951,c.16; 1981,c.424,s.1; 1991,c.389,s.14.
N.J. Stat. § 38:23B-11 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 23B / Section 23B-11
Bank making loan to co-operate with commissioner
Status: in_force

Any bank making a veterans' loan shall co-operate with the commissioner in supervising the use of the credit in accordance with its purposes. L.1944, c. 126, p. 347, s. 11.
N.J. Stat. § 38:23C-11 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 23C / Section 23C-11
Period of stay
Status: in_force

Any stay of any action, proceeding, attachment, or execution ordered by any court under the provisions of this act may, except as otherwise provided, be ordered for the period of military service and 3 months thereafter or any part of such period, and subject to such terms as may be just, whether as to payment in installments of such amounts and at such times as the court may fix or otherwise. Where the person in military service is a codefendant with others the plaintiff may nevertheless, by leave of court, proceed against the others. L.1979, c. 317, s. 11, eff. Jan. 18, 1980.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:3-52 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 3 / Section 3-52
Definitions relative to a Gold Star Family Counseling program.
Status: in_force

2. As used in this act: "Gold Star family member" means an individual who is a New Jersey resident and is the surviving spouse, domestic partner, partner in a civil union, parent, brother, sister, child, legal guardian, or other legal custodian, whether of the whole blood or the half blood, of by adoption, of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard who died while on active duty for the United States. "Mental health care professional" means a person who provides mental health services and is licensed or otherwise authorized, pursuant to Title 45 of the Revised Statutes, to practice a health care profession that is regulated by one of the following : the State Board of Medical Examiners; the State Board of Psychological Examiners; the State Board of Social Work Examiners; the State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners; the Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee; the Professional Counselor Examiners Committee; and the Certified Psychoanalysts Advisory Committee.
L.2017, c.174, s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 38:23C-13 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 23C / Section 23C-13
Eviction or distress of spouse, children or dependents; stay; penalty
Status: in_force

a. No eviction or distress shall be made during the period of military service in respect of any premises for which the agreed rent does not exceed $150.00 per month, occupied chiefly for dwelling purposes by the spouse, children, or other dependents of a person in military service, except upon leave of court granted upon application therefor or granted in any action or proceeding affecting the right of possession. b. On any such application or in any such action the court may, in its discretion, on its own motion, and shall, on application, unless in the opinion of the court the ability of the tenant to pay the agreed rent is not materially affected by reason of military service, stay the proceedings for not longer than 3 months, as provided in this act, or it may make such other order as may be just. c. Any person who shall knowingly take part in any eviction or distress otherwise than as provided in paragraph a. of this section, or attempts so to do, shall be adjudged a disorderly person, and shall be punishable by imprisonment not to exceed 6 months or by fine not to exceed $1,000.00, or both. L.1979, c. 317, s. 13, eff. Jan. 18, 1980.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:23-18 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 23 / Section 23-18
Quarterly town hall meetings, veterans' memorial home.
Status: in_force

38A:23-18. The department shall ensure that each veterans' memorial home shall hold quarterly town hall meetings with all veterans' guardians appointed pursuant to N.J.S.38A:23-17 and persons otherwise having the veteran's power of attorney. The meetings may take place in person or remotely using the Internet or other electronic means. Whenever a public health emergency is declared by the Governor pursuant to the "Emergency Health Powers Act," P.L.2005, c.222 (C.26:13-1 et seq.), each veteran's guardian appointed pursuant to N.J.S.38A:23-17, or each person otherwise having the veteran's power of attorney, shall be allowed to remove the veteran from the veterans' memorial home pursuant to procedures established under Department of Veterans Affairs rules and regulations, except the department shall allow for an initial extension of up to 30 days and one additional extension of up to 30 days. The resident veteran shall be required to continue to pay the care and maintenance fee while on temporary furlough to hold a bed. Regular operating procedures shall resume at the conclusion of the public health emergency. The department shall ensure that each veterans' memorial home shall communicate updates to each veteran's guardian appointed pursuant to N.J.S.38A:23-17, and each person otherwise having the veteran's power of attorney, through a minimum of two communication means, which shall include regular mail, email, text message, and voice. L.2025, c.139, s.40.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:4-7 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 4 / Section 4-7
Exemption from process
Status: in_force

No member of the organized militia shall be arrested on any warrant or other process, except for treason or a high misdemeanor, while going to, remaining at or during the performance of any duty of a military character or returning from any place at which he may be required by competent authority to attend for military duty. L.1963, c. 109.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:1-3 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 1 / Section 1-3
Classes of militia
Status: in_force

The classes of the militia are: (a) The organized militia, which consists of the National Guard, the Naval Militia and the State Guard; and (b) The unorganized militia, which consists of the members of the militia who are not members of the organized militia. L.1963, c. 109.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21A-7 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 21A / Section 21A-7
Collective bargaining agreement involving union employee in Office of the Veteran Advocate.
Status: in_force

7. To the extent an investigation commenced by the Office of the Veteran Advocate involves a union employee, to the extent not inconsistent with State and federal law, the collective bargaining agreement shall govern the investigatory process and supersede the provisions of this act, P.L.2025, c.172 (C.38A:21A-1 et al.). L.2025, c.172, s.7.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:3-16 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 3 / Section 3-16
Transfer of Council on Armed Forces and Veterans' Affairs to Department of Military Affairs; membership.
Status: in_force

2. The Council on Armed Forces and Veterans' Affairs established in the Department of Commerce and Economic Development pursuant to P.L.1983, c.61 (C.52:27H-45 et seq.) is hereby transferred to and established in the Department of Military Affairs. The council shall consist of 22 members: two to be appointed by the President of the Senate from the members thereof, no more than one of whom shall be from the same political party; two to be appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly from the members thereof, no more than one of whom shall be from the same political party; the Adjutant General of the Department of Military Affairs, the Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Commissioner of the New Jersey Commerce Commission, the Commissioner of Education, the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, the Commissioner of Transportation, the State Treasurer, the Commissioner of Community Affairs, the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development, and the Chair of the New Jersey Commission on Higher Education, or their designees; and eight public members to be appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate. Seven of the public members shall be representatives of the community and business support groups for New Jersey's military installations and the United States Coast Guard training center. Each public member shall serve for a term of three years from the date of the member's appointment and until the member's successor is appointed and qualified. Vacancies resulting from causes other than by expiration of term shall be filled for the unexpired term only and shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments were made. L.1992, c.86, s.2; amended 2005, c.40, s.1; 2007, c.253, s.22; 2025, c.139, s.83.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:5-1 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 5 / Section 5-1
Nominating, appointing and commissioning of officers
Status: in_force

(a) The Governor shall nominate and appoint all general and flag officers of the militia, with the advice and consent of the Senate. (b) All other officers of the militia shall be appointed and commissioned by the Governor upon recommendation of the Adjutant General after due consideration to nominations of the commanders in the normal chain of command. (c) No person shall assume the status or perform the duties of an officer until he shall have been duly appointed and announced in orders issued by the Adjutant General. (d) Officers shall be citizens of the United States and, unless otherwise prescribed by federal law and regulation, shall be at least 21 years of age. L.1963, c. 109. Amended by L.1984, c. 181, s. 15, eff. Nov. 14, 1984.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:15-1 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 15 / Section 15-1
Faithful service medals
Status: in_force

There may be issued to officers and enlisted members after at least 10 years active and faithful service in the organized militia an appropriate medal, and for each and every 5 years of subsequent active and faithful service a suitable numeral therefor, under such regulations as the Governor may prescribe. L.1963, c. 109.
N.J. Stat. § 38:23-5 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 23 / Section 23-5
No impairment to pension rights because of military service
Status: in_force

1. No person holding any office, position or employment under the government of the State of New Jersey or of any county, municipality, school district or other political subdivision of the State, or under any board, body, agency or commission of the State or of any county, municipality or school district, who, heretofore and subsequent to July 1, 1940, entered or hereafter, in time of war, shall enter, or heretofore or hereafter in time of emergency entered or shall enter, the active military or naval service of the United States or the active service of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, the Women's Reserve of the Naval Reserve or any similar organization authorized by the United States to serve with the Army or Navy, including service as a member of the American Merchant Marine during World War II declared by the United States Department of Defense to be eligible for federal veterans' benefits, and who, at the time of such entry was or is a member in good standing of any pension, retirement, or annuity fund, shall suffer the loss or impairment of any of the rights, benefits or privileges accorded by the laws governing such pension, retirement or annuity funds; and the time spent in such service by any such person shall be considered as time spent in the office, position or employment held by him at the time of his entry into such service, in all calculations of the amount of pension to which he is entitled and of the years of service required to entitle him to retire; provided, however, that in the event of the death or disability of such person while in such service the pension to be paid such person or his dependents shall be the amount, if any, remaining after calculating the amount of pension that would be paid if such person had continued to hold such office, position or employment until the time of his death or disability and had continued to receive the same compensation as he received at the time of his entry into such service. As used in this act the term "in time of emergency" shall mean and include any time after June 23, 1950, and on or prior to January 31, 1955. L.1942,c.252,s.1; amended 1942,c.326,s.2; 1944,c.87; 1948,c.457; 1951,c.21,s.2; 1991,c.389,s.15.
N.J. Stat. § 38:25-5 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 25 / Section 25-5
Honorable discharges of veterans recorded without cost
Status: in_force

38:25-5. Each county clerk, or the register of deeds in counties having the same, shall record, without costs, when delivered to him for that purpose, in large and bound books of good paper to be provided for that purpose, and carefully preserved and indexed, and to be called and backed "honorable discharges of veterans," the honorable discharge or the certificate in lieu of an honorable discharge, and the record of service or notice of separation showing the record of service, as issued by the proper governmental agency of the Federal Government, of a person who has served in the Armed Forces of the United States, or a reserve component thereof, or of a member of the American Merchant Marine during World War II who is declared by the United States Department of Defense to be eligible for federal veterans' benefits. A veteran, or a person designated by the veteran as the veteran's personal representative, may withdraw the honorable discharge, certificate in lieu of an honorable discharge, record of service, or notice of separation showing the record of service from the county clerk at any time. Amended 1948,c.153; 1991,c.389,s.18; 2021, c.241.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21A-6 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 21A / Section 21A-6
Veteran Advocate, redress of systemic issues.
Status: in_force

6. a. If the Veteran Advocate identifies a systemic problem in how the department protects veterans, the Veteran Advocate shall meet with the department to provide a reasonable opportunity to discuss the problem and identify possible responses the agency may consider. Taking into account any information provided during the meeting and discussion, the Veteran Advocate shall provide its findings and recommendations in writing to the department and, except as provided in subsections b. and c. of section 11 of this act, P.L.2025, c.172 (C.38A:21A-11), make those findings and recommendations available to the public. The recommendations made by the Veteran Advocate shall not conflict with or violate any State or federal statute or regulation, or court order. b. Within 30 days of the receipt of the Veteran Advocate’s findings and recommendations, the department shall develop a corrective action response that addresses the findings and recommendations of the Veteran Advocate and specifies what actions, if any, the department will take in response to the systemic problem identified by the Veteran Advocate, which response may be developed in conjunction with the Veteran Advocate. The corrective actions shall not conflict with or violate any State or federal statute or regulation or court order. If the department does not agree with the assessments made in the Veteran Advocate’s findings and recommendations, the department may challenge the assessments within 30 days of the receipt of the findings and recommendations. The challenge made by the department shall be available to the public. c. The department shall submit its corrective action response to the head of the department and simultaneously provide a copy to the Veteran Advocate. d. The Veteran Advocate shall monitor the department’s implementation of its corrective action response. The department shall provide the Veteran Advocate with periodic reports on the status of the actions taken by the facility pursuant to its corrective action response. The Veteran Advocate shall monitor the department’s implementation of its corrective action response for a period of one year, during which time the department shall provide the Veteran Advocate with periodic reports, except that the Veteran Advocate may determine that the monitoring and periodic reports are required for a period of less than one year. The department’s obligation to provide periodic reports on the implementation of its corrective action response may exceed a period of one year if the Veteran Advocate and the department jointly agree that an extended reporting period is appropriate. The Veteran Advocate and the department shall jointly develop criteria for the department to meet within one year, or another time period as appropriate, in order for the department to no longer be subject to monitoring by the Veteran Advocate. The criteria shall not conflict with or violate State or federal statute or regulation or court order. e. The Veteran Advocate shall promulgate rules and regulations regarding a timeline for implementation of a corrective action response by the department at a facility and regarding actions the Veteran Advocate may take if the department fails to implement the corrective action response. f. A department shall make public the corrective action responses and periodic status reports required by this section. L.2025, c.172, s.6.
N.J. Stat. § 38:23C-23 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 23C / Section 23C-23
Application for relief on obligation or liability; hearing; form of relief
Status: in_force

a. A person may, at any time during his period of military service or within 6 months thereafter, apply to a court for relief in respect of any obligation or liability incurred by such person prior to his period of military service or in respect of any tax or assessment whether falling due prior to or during his period of military service. The court, after appropriate notice and hearing, unless in its opinion the ability of the applicant to comply with the terms of such obligation or liability or to pay such tax or assessment has not been materially affected by reason of his military service, may grant the following relief: In the case of an obligation payable under its terms in installments under a contract for the purchase of real estate, or secured by a mortgage or other instrument in the nature of a mortgage upon real estate, a stay of the enforcement of such obligation during the applicant's period of military service and, from the date of termination of such period of military service or from the date of application if made after such service, for a period equal to the period of the remaining life of the installment contract or other instrument plus a period of time equal to the period of military service of the applicant, or any part of such combined period, subject to payment of the balance of principal and accumulated interest due and unpaid at the date of termination of the period of military service or from the date of application, as the case may be, in equal installments during such combined period at such rate of interest on the unpaid balance as is prescribed in such contract, or other instrument evidencing the obligation, for installments paid when due, and subject to such other terms as may be just. In the case of any other obligation, liability, tax, or assessment, a stay of the enforcement thereof during the applicant's period of military service and, from the date of termination of such period of military service or from the date of application if made after such service, for a period of time equal to the period of military service of the applicant or any part of such period, subject to payment of the balance of principal and accumulated interest due and unpaid at the date of the termination of such period of military service or the date of application as the case may be, in equal periodic installments during such extended period at such rate of interest as may be prescribed for such obligation, liability, tax, or assessment, if paid when due, and subject to such other terms as may be just. b. When any court has granted a stay as provided in this section, no fine or penalty shall accrue during the period the terms and conditions of such stay are complied with by reason of failure to comply with the terms or conditions of the obligation, liability, tax, or assessment in respect of which such stay was granted. L.1979, c. 317, s. 23, eff. Jan. 18, 1980.
N.J. Stat. § 38:18-4 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 18 / Section 18-4
Nonresidents
Status: in_force

Any soldier or surviving spouse receiving compensation pursuant to the provisions of R.S. 38:18-1 et seq. and who is required to, and who does, move without the State for reasons of health or employment shall notwithstanding such nonresidence be entitled to continue to receive such compensation. In the event such soldier or surviving spouse becomes entitled to compensation from the state to which he moves pursuant to an act of such state substantially similar to this act and the act to which this act is a supplement, such compensation shall immediately cease, unless such soldier or surviving spouse shall elect to receive such compensation to the exclusion of the compensation of the state to which he moves. L. 1956, c. 166, p. 659, s. 1, eff. Dec. 3, 1956. Amended by L. 1985, c. 116, s. 2, eff. April 9, 1985.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:3-2b8 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 3 / Section 3-2b8
Resident advocate at State veterans’ memorial home.
Status: in_force

1. a. The Division of Veterans’ Healthcare Services in the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs shall establish a position to be known as a resident advocate at each State veterans’ memorial home. The resident advocate shall have a direct reporting relationship to the director of the division. b. The resident advocate shall: (1) act as a liaison between the State veterans’ memorial home and each of the residents at the State veterans’ memorial home; (2) receive complaints from residents at the State veterans memorial home; and (3) respond to any concerns or grievances from the residents at the State veterans’ memorial home and, if appropriate, submit concerns or grievances to the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman. c. A resident advocate who receives an oral or written complaint from a resident at a State veterans’ memorial home shall log the complaint from the resident on a written or electronic form. The division shall develop, publish, and distribute the written and electronic form to be used by the resident advocate. At a minimum, the written and electronic form shall contain spaces for the following information: (1) the name of the resident submitting the complaint; (2) the nature of the complaint; (3) whether the complaint is an emergency that requires an immediate response, a critical situation that requires a reasonably prompt response, or a noncritical situation that requires an appropriately timely response; and (4) a plan of action for the complaint and an estimate time frame within which the action will be taken. d. A resident advocate who fills out a form under subsection c. of this section shall provide one copy of the form to the resident submitting the complaint and one copy to the administrator of the State veterans’ memorial home. The resident advocate shall also retain the advocate’s copy for not less than one year after the complaint is resolved. e. A State veterans’ memorial home shall make every reasonable effort to make the resident advocate at that memorial home easily identifiable by posting the name and work hours of the resident advocate and shall make every reasonable effort to assure that the plan of action prepared by the resident advocate under paragraph (4) of subsection c. of this section is carried out within the time frame set forth in the plan of action.
L.2021, c.219.
N.J. Stat. § 38:17-7 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 17 / Section 17-7
Board may issue bonds to raise funds
Status: in_force

If in the judgment of any board of chosen freeholders the amount required for the purposes mentioned in section 38:17-6 of this Title, if placed in the tax levy for one fiscal year, would be too burdensome on the taxpayers of such county, such board may issue bonds to raise the funds to accomplish the purposes aforesaid. Amended by L.1939, c. 24, p. 38, s. 1, eff. March 25, 1939.
N.J. Stat. § 38:17-8 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 17 / Section 17-8
Issuance and sale of bonds; limitation on amount
Status: in_force

The bonds mentioned in section 38:17-7 of this Title shall be issued and sold in accordance with Title 40, chapter one, of the Revised Statutes. No board shall issue bonds in excess of one hundred thousand dollars, for the purposes aforesaid. Amended by L.1939, c. 24, p. 39, s. 2, eff. March 25, 1939.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:13-5 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 13 / Section 13-5
Payment of claims
Status: in_force

The amount found by the Adjutant General to be due a member or his dependent family shall be paid by the State in the same manner as other State payments are made. L.1963, c. 109. Amended by L.1984, c. 181, s. 30, eff. Nov. 14, 1984.
N.J. Stat. § 38:23-6 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 23 / Section 23-6
Contributions to pension or retirement funds during military or naval service
Status: in_force

During the period beginning with the time of the entry of such person into such service and ending at the earliest of (a) three months after the time of such person's discharge from such service or (b) the time such person resumes such office, position or employment or (c) the time of such person's death or disability while in such service, the proper officer of the State, county, municipality, school district, political subdivision, board, body, agency or commission shall contribute or cause to be contributed to such fund the amount required by the terms of the statute governing such fund based upon the amount of compensation received by such person prior to his entry into such service and during the period first mentioned in this section any such person receiving compensation from the State, county, municipality, school district, political subdivision, board, body, agency or commission, shall continue to contribute the amount required by statute to be paid by members of such fund and during the period first mentioned in this section any such person not receiving compensation from the State, county, municipality, school district, political subdivision, board, body, agency or commission shall not be required to contribute the amount required by statute to be paid by members of such fund, but said amount shall be contributed for such person by the State, county, municipality, school district, political subdivision, board, body, agency or commission. L.1942, c. 252, p. 693, s. 2. Amended by L.1942, c. 326, p. 1167, s. 3, eff. April 10, 1944.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21-4 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 21 / Section 21-4
Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Status: in_force

38A:21-4. The administrator and head of the department shall be a commissioner, who shall be known as the Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs and who shall be an honorably discharged veteran qualified by training and experience to perform the duties of the office. The commissioner shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate and shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor during the Governor's term of office and until the appointment and qualification of the commissioner's successor. The entire time of the commissioner shall be devoted to the duties of the office and the commissioner shall receive such salary as shall be provided by law. Any vacancy occurring in the office of the commissioner shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. L.2025, c.139, s.4.
N.J. Stat. § 38:23C-18 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 23C / Section 23C-18
Collection of taxes or assessments; interest and penalties
Status: in_force

a. The provisions of this section shall apply when any taxes or assessments, whether general or special, other than taxes on income, whether falling due prior or during the period of military service in respect of personal property, money or credits or real property owned and occupied for dwelling, agricultural, or business purposes by a person in military service, or his dependents, at the commencement of his period of military service and still so occupied by his dependents or employees, are not paid. b. No sale of such property shall be made to enforce the collection of such tax or assessment, or any proceeding or action for such purpose commenced, except upon leave of court granted upon application made therefor by the collector of taxes or other officer whose duty it is to enforce the collection of taxes or assessments. The court thereupon, unless in its opinion the ability of the person in military service to pay such taxes or assessments is not materially affected by reason of such service, may stay such proceedings or such sale, as provided in this act, for a period extending not more than 6 months after the termination of the period of military service of such person. c. When by law such property may be sold or forfeited to enforce the collection of such tax or assessment, such person in military service shall have the right to redeem or commence an action to redeem such property, at any time not later than 6 months after the termination of such service, but in no case later than 6 months after the date when this act ceases to be in force; but this shall not be taken to shorten any period, now or hereafter provided by the laws of the State, or any political subdivision thereof, for such redemption. d. Whenever any tax or assessment shall not be paid when due, such tax or assessment due and unpaid shall bear interest until paid at the rate of 6% per annum from the date when such tax first became a lien, and no other penalty or interest shall be incurred by reason of such nonpayment, whether such penalty or interest shall have accrued prior or shall accrue subsequent to the commencement of the period of military service of such person. Any lien for such unpaid taxes or assessment shall also include such interest thereon. L.1979, c. 317, s. 18, eff. Jan. 18, 1980.
N.J. Stat. § 38:23C-22 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 23C / Section 23C-22
Certificates executed by Armed Forces officers; evidence; persons in military service reported missing
Status: in_force

a. In any proceeding under this act a certificate executed by an officer of the applicable force of the Armed Forces of the United States or by an officer of the applicable force of the organized militia shall, when produced, be prima facie evidence of the facts therein certified and of the authority of the signer to issue the same. b. When a person in military service has been reported missing, he shall be presumed to continue in such service until accounted for, and no period herein limited which begins or ends with the death of such person shall begin or end until the death of such person is in fact reported to or proved by the applicable force of the Armed Forces of the United States or of the organized militia, or until such death is proved by a court of competent jurisdiction; provided, that no period herein limited which begins or ends with the death of such person shall be extended beyond a period of 6 months after the time when this act ceases to be in force. L.1979, c. 317, s. 22, eff. Jan. 18, 1980.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:3-2j — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 3 / Section 3-2j
Short title.
Status: in_force

1. This act shall be known and may be cited as the Military and Defense Economic Ombudsman Act. L.2017, c.359, s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:11-14 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 11 / Section 11-14
Sale of military property
Status: in_force

Unserviceable, unsuitable or surplus military property may, after a proper survey, be sold under such terms and regulations as may be prescribed by the Adjutant General. Moneys derived from such sales shall be deposited as received with the State Treasurer and maintained by him in a separate account. Moneys credited to such an account shall be appropriated and used for the repair, replacement, improvement and maintenance of military property. L.1963, c. 109. Amended by L.1984, c. 181, s. 21, eff. Nov. 14, 1984.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:14-5 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 14 / Section 14-5
New Jersey Stolen Valor Act.
Status: in_force

38A:14-5. Any person who knowingly, with intent to impersonate and with intent to deceive, misrepresents oneself as a member or veteran of the United States Armed Forces or organized militia by wearing the uniform or any medal or insignia authorized for use by the members or veterans of the United States Armed Forces or the organized militia, by federal and State laws and regulations, shall be guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. Any person who knowingly, with intent to impersonate and with intent to deceive for the purpose of obtaining money, property, or other tangible benefit, misrepresents oneself as a member or veteran of the United States Armed Forces or organized militia by wearing the uniform or any medal or insignia authorized for use by the members or veterans of the United States Armed Forces or the organized militia, by federal and State laws and regulations, shall be guilty of a crime of the third degree, subject to a minimum fine of $1,000, if the actor obtains money, property or other tangible benefit in an amount less than $75,000; or a crime of the second degree, if the actor obtains money, property or other tangible benefit in the amount of $75,000 or more. Any person who knowingly, with intent to deceive for the purpose of obtaining money, property, or other tangible benefit, holds oneself out to be a recipient of any decoration or medal created by federal and State laws and regulations to honor the members or veterans of the United States Armed Forces or the organized militia shall be guilty of a crime of the third degree, subject to a minimum fine of $1,000, if the actor obtains money, property or other tangible benefit in the amount less than $75,000; or a crime of the second degree, if the actor obtains money, property or other tangible benefit in the amount of $75,000 or more. Any monies collected pursuant to this section shall be forwarded to the State Treasurer, and shall be deposited into the Military Dependents Scholarship Fund, as established pursuant to P.L.2015, c.117 (C.18A:71B-98 et seq.), in the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. amended 2007, c.148; 2015, c.118; 2021, c.435.
N.J. Stat. § 38:23B-18 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 23B / Section 23B-18
Duties of counsellors
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall, through the business counsellors, consult with veterans applying for business loans for the purpose of approving or disapproving such loans. Business counsellors shall from time to time visit the place of business or profession of veterans using business loans under this act, and shall supervise the uses of such loans, advise and assist the veteran with respect to the business or profession, and perform such other duties as the commissioner may delegate to them. L.1944, c. 126, p. 349, s. 18. Amended by L.1946, c. 121, p. 567, s. 16; L.1947, c. 190, p. 841, s. 4, eff. May 23, 1947.
N.J. Stat. § 38:17-1 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 17 / Section 17-1
Interment of indigent veterans; definitions.
Status: in_force

38:17-1. The board of chosen freeholders in each of the counties shall designate a proper authority, other than that designated by law for the care of paupers and the custody of criminals, who shall cause to be interred the bodies of all veterans of the United States Armed Forces discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, including the bodies of all honorably discharged members of the American Merchant Marine who served during World War II and have been declared by the United States Department of Defense to be eligible for federal veterans' benefits, who die indigent. The expense of such funeral shall not exceed in any case the sum of $1,250 for burial or cremation. For the purposes of this section: "Indigent" shall mean a person who has an income that is below 200 percent of the federal poverty level; and "Poverty level" shall mean the official poverty level based on family size established and adjusted under Section 673(2) of Subtitle B. of the federal "Community Services Block Grant Act," Pub.L.97-35 (42 U.S.C. s.9902(2)).
amended 1945, c.302; 1947, c.175, s.1; 1951, c.136; 1967, c.160; 1991, c.389, s.11; 2013, c.238, s.1; 2023, c.17, s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 38:23B-4 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 23B / Section 23B-4
Capitalization
Status: in_force

The authority shall have an original capitalization of five million dollars ($5,000,000.00) which shall be subscribed by the Treasurer of the State of New Jersey, and which is hereby appropriated out of the Post-War Reserve Account of the General State Fund or the balance held as reserve for post-war needs or to meet expenditures of an emergency nature in the State Highway System Fund. L.1944, c. 126, p. 345, s. 4.
N.J. Stat. § 38:23B-7 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 23B / Section 23B-7
"Veteran" defined; "national emergency" defined
Status: in_force

For the purpose of this act, a "veteran" shall mean any bona fide resident of the State who has or shall have served in the active military or naval service of the United States at any time after September sixteenth, one thousand nine hundred and forty, and prior to December thirty-first, one thousand nine hundred and forty-six, or at any time after June twenty-third, one thousand nine hundred and fifty, and prior to December sixteenth, one thousand nine hundred and fifty, or during a period of national emergency, and who shall have been discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable after active service of ninety days or more, or has or shall have been discharged or released therefrom after less than ninety days of service for disability incurred in line of duty; except that no person shall be eligible for the benefits of this act by reason of service from which he has or shall have been discharged or released on his own initiative to accept employment unless he had served outside the continental limits of the United States or in Alaska. As used in this act, the term "national emergency" shall mean the existence of a national emergency as proclaimed by the President of the United States on December sixteenth, one thousand nine hundred and fifty, and shall include the period of time following such proclamation and until the termination, suspension or revocation thereof, or termination of the existence of such national emergency by appropriate action of the President or Congress of the United States. L.1944, c. 126, p. 346, s. 7. Amended by L.1951, c. 89, p. 484, s. 1, eff. May 22, 1951.
N.J. Stat. § 38:23B-14.6 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 23B / Section 23B-14.6
Payments by bank to authority for guaranty or insurance
Status: in_force

Every bank which has made or which may hereafter make any approved veteran's loan or loans shall, in consideration of the guaranty or insurance, as herein provided, pay to the authority an amount equal to ten per centum (10%) of all interest received by it on all such loans, to be payable at such time or times and in such manner as the authority may prescribe. L.1945, c. 185, p. 629, s. 12.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:2-5 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 2 / Section 2-5
Call or order into Federal service
Status: in_force

Whenever the militia, or any part thereof, is called or ordered into Federal service under Federal laws and regulations, the Governor shall order for such service the militia, or such part thereof as may be required. All persons so called or ordered shall, upon release from Federal service, under such Federal and State laws and regulations as may be prescribed, resume their membership in the militia. All enlisted members shall continue to serve in the organized militia until the dates upon which their enlistments entered into prior to the call or order would have expired if uninterrupted, except as otherwise may be proclaimed under section 38A:6-4 of this Title. L.1963, c. 109.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:23-5 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 23 / Section 23-5
Entitlement to benefits, veterans' facility.
Status: in_force

38A:23-5. A person admitted to a veterans' facility shall be entitled to all of its benefits and be furnished with the clothing, subsistence, medical and surgical attendance necessary to promote the person’s health and welfare in accordance with the rules and regulations of the commissioner. L.2025, c.139, s.27.
N.J. Stat. § 38:25-2 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 25 / Section 25-2
Appropriations for payment of indebtedness
Status: in_force

The governing body may make an appropriation in the annual budget or make an appropriation for and issue emergency notes as provided by section 40:2-31 of the title Municipalities and Counties, or appropriate funds from the surplus revenues of such municipality for the payment of such indebtedness.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:15-10 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 15 / Section 15-10
New Jersey Global War on Terrorism Medal.
Status: in_force

1. a. The Governor may present in the name of the State of New Jersey a Global War on Terrorism Medal of appropriate design, and ribbon to be worn in lieu thereof, to any person who is a member of the organized militia, the Armed Forces of the United States, or a Reserve component thereof, or who was honorably discharged therefrom, if the person was a resident of the State upon entry into service or has been a resident of this State for at least 20 years in the aggregate. b. To qualify for a New Jersey Global War on Terrorism Medal, the person, while serving in the organized militia or while in federal service, shall have served in at least one of the following operations as attested by the awarding of honorable discharge and the federal DD Form 214 by the respective Armed Forces: (1) Operation Enduring Freedom; (2) Operation Noble Eagle; (3) Operation Iraqi Freedom; (4) Operation Nomad Shadow; (5) Operation New Dawn; (6) Operation Inherent Resolve; (7) Operation Freedom's Sentinel; and (8) Operation Odyssey Lighting. The New Jersey Global War on Terrorism Medal shall only be awarded to a person who was assigned, attached, or detailed for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days to a unit during at least one of the eligible military operations. c. No more than one medal shall be awarded to any person, except that a medal that is lost, destroyed, or rendered unfit for use without fault or neglect on the part of the person to whom it was issued may be replaced. d. The medal may be awarded to a deceased person or a person missing in action who would have qualified for the medal pursuant to this section and, when so directed, may be presented to such representative as the Adjutant General considers appropriate who submits all of the required forms and documentation on behalf of that person. e. Any other eligibility requirements for the medal deemed appropriate by the Adjutant General shall be promulgated by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. At a minimum, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs shall: (1) establish a suitable design for the medal, including a ribbon to be worn with or in place of the medal; (2) procure the manufacture of the medal and ribbon; (3) if the recipient is a member of the New Jersey National Guard, ensure that award of the medal is properly reflected in the service records; (4) establish procedures to identify members of the reserve components of the United States Armed Forces entitled to award of the medal; and (5) adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this section. The regulations shall include rules for wearing the medal and ribbon with the uniform of the New Jersey National Guard and provisions for the posthumous award of a medal. f. There is created in the Department of Treasury a special, non-lapsing fund to be known as the "Global War on Terrorism Medal Fund." There shall be deposited into the fund the amounts made available for the purposes of the fund and monetary donations that may be received from any source for the purposes of the fund and any interest earned thereon. Monies deposited in the fund shall be dedicated for the design, manufacture, and distribution of the medal and ribbon. 2020, c.147.
N.J. Stat. § 38:17-11 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 17 / Section 17-11
Municipality may share expense for care of burial place
Status: in_force

The governing body of any such municipality may enter into an agreement with any duly incorporated patriotic, historic or civic society or association for the purpose of co-operating with such society or association or a branch or chapter thereof, for the maintenance and care of such cemetery or burial ground, and to share in the expense thereof to the extent of not exceeding the amount appropriated by the municipality for such purpose. No agreement on the part of any municipality shall be for a term exceeding one year at a time.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21A-4 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 21A / Section 21A-4
Veteran Advocate, actions involving veterans’ facilities, other sites under supervision of department.
Status: in_force

4. a. The Veteran Advocate may: (1) inspect and review the operations, policies, and procedures of veterans’ facilities operated by the department; (2) investigate, review, monitor, or evaluate department response to, or disposition of, an allegation of veteran abuse or neglect occurring within a veterans’ facility in this State; (3) review, evaluate, report on, and make recommendations concerning the procedures established by the department; (4) hold a public hearing on the subject of studies underway by the office and receive testimony from agency and program representatives, the public, and other interested parties, as the Veteran Advocate deems appropriate; and (5) establish and maintain a 24-hour, toll-free telephone hotline to receive and respond to calls from members of the public referring individual and systemic concerns to the Veteran Advocate. b. In exercising the authority provided in subsection a. of this section, the Veteran Advocate may conduct unannounced site visits to any institution or facility under the supervision of the department, if the Veteran Advocate, prior to conducting an unannounced site visit, has initiated a project or investigation into the response or disposition of an allegation of abuse or neglect and there is a reasonable basis to believe that an unannounced site visit is necessary to carry out the Veteran Advocate’s responsibilities under this act, P.L.2025, c.172 (C.38A:21A-1 et al.), provided, however, that any unannounced site visit shall be conducted at a reasonable time and in a reasonable manner. c. In exercising the authority provided under subsection a. of this section and section 5 of P.L.2025, c.172 (C.38A:21A-5) the Veteran Advocate may, as appropriate, consult with any appropriate State, county, or municipal agency, or a State-funded private entity providing services to veterans, and may request from any such entity, and the entity is hereby authorized and directed to provide, such cooperation and assistance as will enable the Office of the Veteran Advocate to properly perform its responsibilities under this act. d. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 11 of P.L.1944, c.20 (C.52:17A-11) to the contrary, the Veteran Advocate may hire independent counsel on a case-by-case basis to provide competent representation in light of the nature of the case, the services to be performed, the experience of the particular attorney, and other relevant factors. e. As used in this section, “veterans’ facility” means any home, institution, hospital, or part thereof, the admission to which is under the jurisdiction of the department, including Veterans Haven North and Veterans Haven South. L.2025, c.172, s.4.
N.J. Stat. § 38:25-9 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 25 / Section 25-9
Proceedings of encampments of veterans of foreign wars made part of military archives
Status: in_force

When a properly prepared and duly certified copy of the proceedings of the annual encampments of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States of America, Department of New Jersey, together with a complete series of the general and special orders, circulars, and other data which may form a part of the proceedings, shall be forwarded by the commander of such veteran organization to the adjutant general, such proceedings, so reported, shall be considered part of the military archives of this state.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:25-5 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 25 / Section 25-5
Notification of service member passing, definitions.
Status: in_force

38A:25-5. a. (1) Upon receipt of the notice from the United States Department of Defense of the death of a service member who resided in this State and whose surviving beneficiary resides in this State, the Department of Veterans Affairs shall notify, no later than ten working days, the appropriate county veterans' affairs office, or county designee, and the appropriate State veterans’ service office. The State office shall provide the surviving beneficiary of a deceased service member with a comprehensive packet containing information on all federal and State benefits for which the surviving beneficiary may be eligible. The department shall develop the packet and provide all State veterans service offices with a supply of packets for distribution. This section shall also apply when a deceased service member is not a resident of this State, but whose surviving beneficiary is a resident of this State, if that information is known. (2) Every county veterans' affairs office shall have a designated Gold Star family member liaison. The liaison may be a volunteer or a Gold Star family member. The liaison shall, in conjunction with the State veterans' service offices, assist Gold Star families to access the services they are entitled to by providing information on State benefits, Gold Star family organizations, and such other resources deemed necessary and beneficial to a Gold Star family member. b. For the purpose of this section: "Child" means the individual who is a son or daughter by birth or adoption. "Deceased service member" means any member of the Armed Forces of the United States, or a Reserve Component thereof, or a member of the National Guard who dies as a result of enemy action, accident, or disease while on federal active duty, including active duty for training. "Gold Star family member" means the spouse, domestic partner, partner in a civil union, parent, brother, sister, child, legal guardian, or other legal custodian, whether of the whole or half blood, or by adoption, of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard who died while on active duty for the United States. "Parent" means the individual who is a father or mother by birth or adoption. "Spouse" means the individual to whom the deceased service member was legally married at the time of the member's death. "Surviving beneficiary" means the spouse, child, or parent of a deceased service member who resides in this State. L.2025, c.139, s.62.
N.J. Stat. § 38:23B-16 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 23B / Section 23B-16
Liquidation of notes purchased; deferred payments
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall proceed to liquidate notes purchased by the authority as rapidly as possible, but shall develop and adopt programs for deferred payments by makers of such notes to avoid undue hardship or sacrifice of business values, without regard to the six-year limitations on maturity elsewhere contained in this act. L.1944, c. 126, p. 349, s. 16. Amended by L.1945, c. 185, p. 630, s. 13, eff. April 17, 1945.
N.J. Stat. § 38:23B-22 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 23B / Section 23B-22
Effective date
Status: in_force

This act shall take effect July first, one thousand nine hundred and forty-four. L.1944, c. 126, p. 350, s. 22, eff. July 1, 1944.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:14-9 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 14 / Section 14-9
Interference or failure to respond to order or call
Status: in_force

Any person who willfully interferes with the execution of any order or call for troops made by the Governor, and any person ordered or called, who does not appear at the time and place designated within 24 hours of such time, or who does not produce a sworn certificate from a physician of physical disability indicating inability to respond as aforesaid shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor. L.1963, c. 109.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:4-4 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 4 / Section 4-4
Leave of absence without loss of pay, exceptions.
Status: in_force

38A:4-4. a. A permanent or full-time temporary officer or employee of the State or of a board, commission, authority or other instrumentality of the State or of a county, school district or municipality who is a member of the organized militia shall be entitled, in addition to pay received, if any, as a member of the organized militia, to leave of absence from his or her respective duties without loss of pay or time on all days during which he or she shall be engaged in any period of State or Federal active duty; provided, however, that the leaves of absence for Federal active duty or active duty for training shall not exceed 90 work days in the aggregate in any calendar year. Any leave of absence for such duty in excess of 90 work days shall be without pay but without loss of time. b. Leave of absence for such military duty shall be in addition to the regular vacation or other accrued leave allowed such officers and employees by the State, county or municipal law, ordinance, resolution, or regulation. c. Notwithstanding subsection a. of this section, a full-time temporary officer or employee who has served under such temporary appointment for less than one year shall receive for the service hereinabove described leave without pay but without loss of time. Amended 2001, c.351, s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 38:18A-4 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 18A / Section 18A-4
Continuation of payments
Status: in_force

Any veteran or surviving spouse receiving payments pursuant to the provisions of P.L. 1947, c. 263 (C. 38:18A-1 et seq.) and who is required to, and who does, move without the State for reasons of health or employment, and any veteran who heretofore was receiving payments pursuant to the provisions of P.L. 1947, c. 263 (C. 38:18A-1 et seq.) and who was required to, and who did, move without the State for reasons of health or employment, shall notwithstanding such nonresidence be entitled to continue to receive such payments. In the event such veteran or surviving spouse becomes entitled to payments from the state to which he moves pursuant to an act of such state substantially similar to this act and P.L. 1947, c. 263 (C. 38:18A-1 et seq.), such payments shall immediately cease, unless such veteran or surviving spouse shall elect to receive such payments to the exclusion of the payments of the state to which he moves. L. 1954, c. 213, p. 788, s. 1. Amended by L. 1956, c. 207, p. 746, s. 1, eff. Jan. 4, 1957; L. 1985, c. 116, s. 4, eff. April 9, 1985.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:17-2 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 17 / Section 17-2
"Emergency" defined
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter the term "emergency" shall mean and include any disaster resulting from enemy attack, sabotage or other hostile action, or from fire, flood, earthquake or other natural causes. L.1963, c. 109.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:22-8 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 22 / Section 22-8
Homeless Veterans Legal Services Law.
Status: in_force

38A:22-8. a. This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Homeless Veterans Legal Services Law." b. Subject to the availability of funds appropriated for this purpose, including, but not limited to, funding appropriated through N.J.S.38A:22-7, the New Jersey Homeless Veterans Grant Program, the Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs shall enter into agreements with public or private entities to fund a portion of the legal services specified in this section, that are provided by such entities to homeless veterans and veterans at risk of homelessness. c. The commissioner shall ensure that, to the extent practicable, agreements established under this section are made with entities located in the northern, central, and southern regions of the State. d. Legal services shall include legal services provided by public or private entities that address the needs of homeless veterans and veterans at risk of homelessness as follows: (1) Legal services related to housing, including eviction defense, representation in landlord-tenant cases, and representation in foreclosure cases. (2) Legal services related to family law, including assistance in court proceedings for child support, divorce, estate planning, and family reconciliation. (3) Legal services related to income support, including assistance in obtaining public benefits. (4) Legal services related to criminal defense, including defense in matters symptomatic of homelessness, such as outstanding warrants, fines, and driver's license revocation, to reduce recidivism and facilitate the overcoming of reentry obstacles in employment or housing. (5) Such other legal services as the commissioner deems appropriate. e. In developing and carrying out agreements under this section, the commissioner shall, to the extent practicable, consult with veterans service organizations and coordinate appropriate outreach relationships with such organizations. f. The commissioner may require entities that enter into agreements under this section to submit periodic reports on legal services provided to homeless veterans and veterans at risk of homelessness. L.2025, c.139, s.50.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:23-11 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 23 / Section 23-11
Follow-up studies, former residents of State veterans' memorial homes, report to Governor, Legislature.
Status: in_force

38A:23-11. The commissioner shall conduct, or contract with another entity to conduct, a series of follow-up studies to assess the well-being of all former residents of State veterans' memorial homes who have made a transition into the community after the effective date of this act, N.J.S.38A:21-1 et al., as a result of implementation of a plan to close a State veterans' memorial home and also an assessment of the well-being of all former residents for each of the five years after the closure. The commissioner shall compile the results of the follow-up studies conducted pursuant to this section and shall include this information in a series of reports that the commissioner shall submit to the Governor, and to the Legislature pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1). The report of a follow-up study on the well-being of all former residents of State veterans' memorial homes, who have made a transition into the community after the effective date of this act as a result of the implementation of a plan to close a State veterans' memorial home, shall be submitted one year after the beginning of implementation of the plan, and annually thereafter, until the veterans' memorial home has closed. In addition, for each of the five years after the closure of a home, a report of a follow-up study on the well-being of all former residents of the home shall be submitted. Reports submitted pursuant to this section shall be made publicly available on the website of the Department of Veterans Affairs. L.2025, c.139, s.33.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21-3 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 21 / Section 21-3
Definitions.
Status: in_force

38A:21-3. As used in this act, N.J.S.38A:21-1 et al.: "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs; "Department" means the Department of Veterans Affairs established pursuant to this act; and "Veteran" means any person who has served in any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States for at least 90 days, except that if the term "veteran" is defined differently in any other provision of this act, any other statute, or in any federal statute, that definition shall be applicable for the purposes of those statutes. L.2025, c.139, s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:12-2 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 12 / Section 12-2
Lease or conveyance of real property by a county or municipality.
Status: in_force

Whenever the title to any real property required for an armory or other military facility is vested in a county or municipality, such county or municipality may convey or lease, with or without consideration, such real property to this State. L.1963, c. 109.
N.J. Stat. § 38:23B-19.1 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 23B / Section 23B-19.1
Second loans to veterans serving during national emergency
Status: in_force

Any veteran who has served in the active military or naval service of the United States at any time after September sixteenth, one thousand nine hundred and forty, and prior to December thirty-first, one thousand nine hundred and forty-six; and who, having obtained one or more loans under the provisions of the Veterans' Loan Act (1944), repaid the same in full in accordance with the terms thereof; and who has also served in the active military or naval service of the United States after June twenty-third, one thousand nine hundred and fifty, and prior to December sixteenth, one thousand nine hundred and fifty, or during a period of national emergency as herein defined; and who applies for a loan under the provisions of said Veterans' Loan Act (1944) after his discharge or release from such further active service; shall, in regard to the limitation on the number of loans and amount thereof to any one veteran, contained in section nineteen of chapter one hundred twenty-six of the laws of one thousand nine hundred and forty-four, as amended, be deemed to be applying for a first loan under said Veterans' Loan Act (1944). L.1951, c. 89, p. 486, s. 3, eff. May 22, 1951.
N.J. Stat. § 38:23C-14 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 23C / Section 23C-14
Termination of leases; conditions; notice; penalty for detention of personal effects.
Status: in_force

14. a. The provisions of this section shall apply to any lease covering personal property, or premises occupied for dwelling, professional, business, agricultural, or similar purposes, in any case in which such lease was executed by or on the behalf of a person who, after the execution of such lease, entered military service, and the property so leased has been used, or premises so leased have been occupied for such purposes, or for a combination of such purposes, by such person or by him and his dependents. The provisions of this section which apply to any lease covering personal property become effective after military service of more than 90 consecutive days. b. (1) Any such lease, entered into with or without a view to purchase, may be terminated by notice in writing delivered to the lessor (or his grantee) or to the lessor's (or his grantee's) agent by the lessee at any time following the date of the beginning of his period of military service or in the case of a lease covering personal property, at any time after the 90th consecutive day of service. Delivery of such notice may be accomplished by placing it in an envelope properly stamped and duly addressed to the lessor (or his grantee) or to the lessor's (or his grantee's) agent and depositing the notice in the United States mails. Termination of any such lease providing for monthly payment of rent shall not be effective until 30 days after the first date on which the next rental payment is due and payable subsequent to the date when such notice is delivered or mailed. In the case of all other leases, termination shall be effected on the last day of the month following the month in which such notice is delivered or mailed and in such case any unpaid rental for a period preceding termination shall be proratably computed and any rental paid in advance for a period succeeding termination shall be refunded by the lessor (or his assignee). Upon application by the lessor to the appropriate court prior to the termination period provided for in the notice, any relief granted in this paragraph shall be subject to such modifications or restrictions as in the opinion of the court justice and equity may in the circumstances require. (2) Upon termination of the lease, the former lessee and any co-signer shall have no further liability to the lessor or the lessor's assignee, except that the lessee and any co-signer shall be obligated to the lessor or assignee for any damages to the leased property. The lessor or lessor's assignee shall not impose any penalty or charge upon the lessee or any co-signer on the lease for early termination of the lease. This paragraph shall apply whether or not the person is the sole signatory of the lease. c. Any person who shall knowingly seize, hold or detain the personal effects, clothing, furniture or other property of any person who has lawfully terminated a lease covered by this section, or in any manner interfere with the removal of such property from the premises covered by such lease, for the purpose of subjecting or attempting to subject any of such property to a claim for rent accruing subsequent to the date of termination of such lease, or attempts so to do, shall be adjudged a disorderly person and shall be punished by imprisonment not to exceed 6 months or by fine not to exceed $1,000.00, or both. L.1979,c.317,s.14; amended 2005, c.320,s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:14-7 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 14 / Section 14-7
Trespassers and disturbers may be placed in arrest
Status: in_force

The commanding officer upon any occasion of duty may place in arrest during the continuance thereof, any person who shall trespass upon a camp or parade ground, armory, arsenal, rifle range, or any other place devoted to or used for military purposes or shall in any manner interrupt or molest or disturb the orderly discharge of duty by those under arms, or shall disturb or prevent the passage of troops going to or returning from any duty. L.1963, c. 109.
N.J. Stat. § 38:17-9 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 17 / Section 17-9
Graves to be decorated--expense; tax levy
Status: in_force

The supervisor of veterans' interment shall annually, on the thirtieth day of May known as Memorial Day or as near to such day as possible decorate, or cause to be decorated with suitable flags the graves in which are interred the bodies of deceased veterans of any war. The expense of carrying out the provisions of this section shall be borne and paid by the county in which such "veterans" are buried. The board of freeholders of the several counties shall annually place in the tax levy a sum sufficient for the purposes herein mentioned. Amended by L.1946, c. 230, p. 840, s. 1, eff. May 1, 1946.
N.J. Stat. § 38:25A-10 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 25A / Section 25A-10
Restriction on sale of forget-me-nots
Status: in_force

The sale and offering for sale of such forget-me-nots or forget-me-not as heretofore mentioned shall be restricted to Disabled American Veterans of the World War and their auxiliaries, where such funds are devoted exclusively for the benefit of Disabled American Veterans of the World War and their families. L.1939, c. 135, p. 458, s. 3, eff. July 1, 1939.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:3-2n — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 3 / Section 3-2n
Education and outreach efforts.
Status: in_force

5. As part of its education and outreach efforts, and its purposes of promoting the State's military installations and developing productive relationships with the various governmental, industry, and community stakeholders, the Military and Defense Economic Ombudsman shall: a. organize an annual tour of the State's military installations for the New Jersey Congressional Delegation to inform the delegation of issues pertaining to each installation and provide them with information relevant to their work of ensuring the current and future viability of the State's military installations; b. provide accurate, current, and factual information about the State's military installations and their attributes to federal partners, including information to dispel misconceptions in the areas of air space, encroachment, and installation infrastructure, and to highlight the benefits and the current and future potential of each installation in the context of defense planning and economic growth; and c. establish and convene Commander Council meetings on a regular basis to meet directly with the commanding officers of each military installation and hear from them and other high-ranking officials concerning the specific operations and needs at each installation. L.2017, c.359, s.5.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:22-1 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 22 / Section 22-1
Veterans' preference, private employment, voluntary commitments.
Status: in_force

38A:22-1. a. The department shall organize and administer a program of voluntary commitments by employers throughout the State to participate in a plan of veterans' preference in private employment and reemployment. b. The plan of veterans' preference in private employment shall provide for the fixing of a quota of veterans by the commissioner for all participating employers, but may not require any employed worker to be discharged. The plan shall also provide for the classification of disabled veterans in occupations for which they would not be handicapped and for first preference in such occupations for such disabled veterans. c. In the organization and administration of the employment quota preference plan, the commissioner, through appropriate federal, State, and local agencies, shall: Enroll employers who voluntarily commit themselves to the plan and certify the right of such employers to approved forms of public recognition; Register veterans desiring employment, according to their occupational experience and capacities; Register labor unions which are willing to participate through appropriate adjustment of their membership and other requirements and certify the right of such unions to approved forms of public recognition; Receive requests for workers from all participating employers; and Either refer qualified veterans, with preference to the disabled, in response to such requisitions or certify that veterans are not available. L.2025, c.139, s.43.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:13-11 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 13 / Section 13-11
Establishment of helpline.
Status: in_force

2. a. The Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs shall establish, in coordination with University Behavioral HealthCare of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, a toll free veteran to veteran peer support helpline. b. The helpline shall be accessible 24 hours a day seven days per week and shall respond to calls from veterans, servicemembers and their families. The operators of the helpline shall seek to identify the veterans, servicemembers and their families who should be referred to further peer support and counseling services, and provide referrals. c. The operators of the helpline shall be trained by University Behavioral Healthcare of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey and, to the greatest extent possible, shall be trained veterans or mental health professionals with military service expertise and (1) familiar with post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and the emotional and psychological tensions, depressions, and anxieties unique to veterans, servicemembers, and their families or (2) trained to provide counseling services involving marriage and family life, substance use disorder, personal stress management and other emotional or psychological disorders or conditions which may be likely to adversely affect the personal and service related well-being of veterans, servicemembers, and their families. d. The Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs and Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey shall provide for the confidentiality of the names of the persons calling, the information discussed, and any referrals for further peer support or counseling; provided, however, the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs and Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey may establish guidelines providing for the tracking of any person who exhibits a severe emotional or psychological disorder or condition which the operator handling the call reasonably believes might result in harm to the veteran or servicemember or any other person. L.2011, c.116, s.2; amended 2012, c.45, s.121; 2023, c.177, s.118.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:23-1 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 23 / Section 23-1
Establishment of standards, procedures, Department of Veterans Affairs, definitions.
Status: in_force

38A:23-1. a. As used in this section and N.J.S.38A:23-2 through 38A:23-14, inclusive: "Advisory council" means the advisory council of a veterans' facility. "Member" means a person admitted to and receiving care in a veterans' facility. "Veteran" means a person who has been honorably discharged from the active military service of the United States. "Veterans' facility" means any home, institution, hospital, or part thereof, the admission to which is under the jurisdiction of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. b. Subject to the provisions of this section, the Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs shall be authorized, directed, and empowered to take such actions, and to issue such reasonable rules and regulations, as may be necessary for carrying out the purposes of N.J.S.38A:23-2 through 38A:23-14, inclusive, including specifically to: (1) provide standards and procedures for the application and determination of eligibility for admission to veterans' facilities; (2) establish standards and methods for designating the veterans' facility in which an eligible person shall receive care and treatment consistent with available services and individual needs and circumstances; (3) establish standards of care, treatment, and discipline governing the relationships between the veterans' facilities and persons admitted thereto consistent with and subject to State and federal rules, regulations, and standards of care; (4) establish standards and procedures for the determination and payment of such amounts, if any, which members shall be required to contribute toward the cost of care and treatment in accordance with their financial ability, basing such determination upon a formula of financial ability to pay promulgated annually, provided, however, that the amount so determined shall first be approved by the Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting in the Department of the Treasury; and (5) negotiate and enter into agreements or contracts with the Veterans Administration or any other appropriate State or federal agency and to organize the work of the veterans' facilities, giving due regard to the opinion of the advisory councils, in any manner consistent with law to comply with the reasonable requirements of such State and federal agencies in order to secure the maximum financial assistance and services for carrying out the purposes of N.J.S.38A:23-2 through 38A:23-14, inclusive. L.2025, c.139, s.23.
N.J. Stat. § 38:17-2.1 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 17 / Section 17-2.1
Identification of indigent deceased person; determination of veteran status; definitions.
Status: in_force

2. The county medical examiner, or a designee, shall be responsible for the positive identification of an unidentified indigent deceased person. The supervisor of veterans' interment or county medical examiner, as appropriate, shall contact the Department of Veterans Affairs upon receipt of an unclaimed indigent deceased person to ascertain the veteran status of the person. The supervisor of veterans' interment or county medical examiner, as appropriate, shall be notified upon determination of the veteran status of the person. If the person was a veteran discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, the supervisor of veterans' interment or county medical examiner, as appropriate, shall cause burial or cremation to occur within 72 hours of notification of veteran status. For the purposes of this section: "Indigent" shall mean a person who has an income that is below 200 percent of the federal poverty level; and "Poverty level" shall mean the official poverty level based on family size established and adjusted under Section 673(2) of Subtitle B. of the federal "Community Services Block Grant Act," Pub.L.97-35 (42 U.S.C. s.9902(2)). L.2013, c.238, s.2; amended 2023, c.17, s.2; 2025, c.139, s.87.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:16-1 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 16 / Section 16-1
Use without this State
Status: in_force

The military forces of this State, when not in Federal service, shall not be required to serve outside the boundaries of this State except: (a) Upon the request of the Governor of another State, the Governor of this State, may, in his discretion, order any portion or all of such forces to assist the military, naval or police forces of such other State who are actually engaged in defending such other State. Such forces may be recalled by the Governor at his discretion. (b) Any organization, unit, detachment or member of such forces, upon order of the officer in immediate command thereof, may continue in fresh pursuit of insurrectionists, saboteurs, enemies or enemy forces beyond the borders of this State into another State until they are apprehended or captured by such organization, unit, detachment or member or until the military, naval or police forces of the other State or the forces of the United States have had a reasonable opportunity to take up the pursuit or to apprehend or capture such persons; provided, such other State shall have given authority by law for such pursuit by such forces of this State. Any such person who shall be apprehended or captured in such other State by an organization, unit, detachment or member of the forces of this State shall without unnecessary delay be surrendered to the military, naval or police forces of the State in which he is taken or to the United States, but such surrender shall not constitute a waiver by this State of its right to extradite or prosecute such person for any crime committed in this State. L.1963, c. 109.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:23-9 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 23 / Section 23-9
Department of Veterans Affairs commissioner authorized to receive federal funds, payments from members, family and friends, cost of care.
Status: in_force

38A:23-9. The commissioner shall be authorized and empowered to accept and receive funds from the United States government or any agency thereof and to accept and receive payments from all members and their family, relatives, and friends towards the cost of care and treatment as provided in the rules and regulations pertaining thereto. L.2025, c.139, s.31.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21-23 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 21 / Section 21-23
Department of Veterans Affairs, services, blind, paraplegic, hemiplegic.
Status: in_force

38A:21-23. The department, through its divisions, shall: a. administer the Blind Veterans' Allowance Program established pursuant to R.S.38:18-1 et seq.; b. administer the Paraplegic and Hemiplegic Allowance Program established pursuant to P.L.1947, c.263 (C.38:18A-1 et seq.); c. maintain a continuous liaison with the Association of Blind Veterans and other similar State and national veterans' associations and organizations; d. provide all necessary assistance to the Agent Orange Commission upon request; e. administer the veterans' loan authority established pursuant to P.L.1944, c.126 (C.38:23B-1 et seq.); f. supervise and operate the liaison and field offices which serve the federal Veterans' Administration Centers at Lyons and East Orange; g. compete for all grants, private and federal, that would fund programs to benefit the State's veterans and their dependents; and h. administer State tuition assistance programs for veterans and their dependents established pursuant to the provisions of chapter 71 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes. L.2025, c.139, s.21.
N.J. Stat. § 38:25A-18 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 25A / Section 25A-18
Sale of artificial white clovers, except by those authorized, forbidden
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to sell or offer for sale to raise funds dedicated to Amvets, American Veterans of World War II white clover or white clovers made up in any material forming a replica of the natural white clover except as hereinafter provided. L.1954, c. 41, p. 110, s. 2, eff. June 8, 1954.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:12-8 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 12 / Section 12-8
Purchase by county or municipality authorized
Status: in_force

The board of chosen freeholders of any county or governing body of any municipality may purchase any building and real property referred to in section 38A:12-6 at the price and upon the terms and conditions so fixed. L.1963, c. 109.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21-17 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 21 / Section 21-17
Salary established by commissioner, with approval, Department of Veterans Affairs.
Status: in_force

38A:21-17. a. A director of a division in the department shall receive such salary as may be established by the commissioner with the approval of the Civil Service Commission and the Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting in the Department of the Treasury. b. In the event that a director is appointed from persons holding positions in the career service of the State, the director shall retain, during tenure in such position, any rights or protections provided to that person by Title 11A, Civil Service, of the New Jersey Statutes or any pension law or retirement system. L.2025, c.139, s.15.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:3-6.4c — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 3 / Section 3-6.4c
Follow-up studies relative to former residents of veterans' memorial homes.
Status: in_force

3. The Adjutant General shall conduct, or contract with another entity to conduct, a series of follow-up studies to assess the well-being of all former residents of State veterans' memorial homes who have made a transition into the community after the effective date of this act as a result of implementation of a plan to close a State veterans' memorial home, and also an assessment of the well-being of all former residents for each of the five years after the closure. L.2015, c.197, s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:11-6 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 11 / Section 11-6
Determination of value of lost or destroyed property and person chargeable therewith
Status: in_force

The value of the lost, damaged or destroyed property, and the person to be charged with the value thereof, shall be determined by a surveying officer appointed by the Governor or the Secretary of the Federal service involved, who shall file a report of his findings and recommendations through proper channels, for administrative action. L.1963, c. 109.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:3-39 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 3 / Section 3-39
Membership of commission; terms; vacancies.
Status: in_force

2. The commission shall consist of 15 members who are New Jersey residents. The Governor shall appoint 12 members and of the 12 appointed, nine shall be women. There shall be appointed one representative from each of the following branches of military service who may also be affiliated with an organization named below: the Army; the Air Force; the Coast Guard; the Marines; and the Navy. There shall also be appointed by the Governor, one representative from the Veterans of Foreign Wars, one representative from the American Legion, one representative from the Disabled American Veterans, one representative from the American Veterans, one representative from the New Jersey Army National Guard, one representative from the New Jersey Air National Guard, and one representative from the Military Order of the Purple Heart. The Commissioner of Military and Veterans' Affairs, the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development, and the Director of the Division on Women in the Department of Children and Families, or their respective designees, shall serve as ex-officio members. The public members shall serve for terms of three years and until the appointment and qualification of their successors, except that of the initial appointment of public members, four shall be appointed for a term of three years, four shall be appointed for a term of two years, and four shall be appointed for a term of one year. If any public member discontinues affiliation with the respective veterans' organization, the member shall immediately resign membership with the commission. Any vacancy in the membership of the commission shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments are made. L.2007, c.319, s.2; amended 2012, c.16, s.131.
N.J. Stat. § 38:25A-1 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 25A / Section 25A-1
Poppy recognized souvenir
Status: in_force

1. After the passage of this act the poppy or its replica in any material form shall be the recognized souvenir of the deceased veterans of the World Wars and military conflicts involving the Armed Forces of the United States and deceased members of the American Merchant Marine who served during World War II and have been declared by the United States Department of Defense to be eligible for federal veterans' benefits. L.1938,c.207,s.1; 1965,c.28,s.2; 1981,c.231,s.2; 1991,c.389,s.19.
N.J. Stat. § 38:23A-6 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 23A / Section 23A-6
Rules and regulations
Status: in_force

Any such State board, body or officer may adopt rules and regulations to carry into effect the provisions of this act. L.1946, c. 51, p. 109, s. 3.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:12-3 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 12 / Section 12-3
Supervision of construction.
Status: in_force

38A:12-3. The Adjutant General shall, in compliance with the provisions of P.L.1954, c.48 (C.52:34-6 et seq.), supervise the construction, repair, and alterations of armories and other military facilities. L.1963, c.109; amended 1984,c.181,s.23; 1988,c.138,s.15; 2025, c.139, s.92.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:18-3 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 18 / Section 18-3
Subject matter of agreements or compacts with other States
Status: in_force

Such agreements or compacts may include but shall not be limited to provisions for joint military action against a common enemy; for the protection of bridges, tunnels, ferries, pipelines, communication facilities and other vital installations, plants and facilities; for the military support of civil defense agencies; for the fresh pursuit, by the organized militia or military forces or any part thereof of a signatory State into the jurisdiction of any other signatory State, of persons acting or appearing to act in the interest of an enemy government or seeking or appearing to seek to overthrow the government of the United States or of any signatory State; for the powers, duties, rights, privileges and immunities of the members of the organized militia or military forces of any signatory State while so engaged outside their own jurisdiction; for such other matters as are of a military nature, or incidental thereto, and which the Governor may deem necessary or proper to promote the health, safety and welfare of the people of this State; for the allocation of all costs and expenses arising from the planning and operation of such agreements or compacts. L.1963, c. 109.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21-5 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 21 / Section 21-5
Functions, powers, duties, Department of Veterans Affairs commissioner.
Status: in_force

38A:21-5. The commissioner, as head of the department, shall have all of the functions, powers, and duties heretofore vested in the Administrator of Veterans Affairs of the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs, previously designated in N.J.S.38A:3-2, and shall have, in addition, the functions, powers, and duties vested in the commissioner by this act, N.J.S.38A:21-1 et al., or by any other law, which are as follows: a. Administer the work of the department; b. Appoint and remove officers and other personnel employed within the department, subject to the provisions of Title 11A of the New Jersey Statutes and other applicable statutes, except as herein otherwise specifically provided; c. Have authority to organize and maintain an administrative division and to assign to employment therein secretarial, clerical, and other assistants in the department's or the commissioner's office as the internal operations of the department may require, in accordance with Title 11A of the New Jersey Statutes; d. Perform, exercise, and discharge the functions, powers, and duties of the department through such divisions as may be established by this act or otherwise by law; e. Organize the work of the department in divisions, not inconsistent with the provisions of this act, and in bureaus and other organizational units as the commissioner may determine to be necessary for efficient and effective operation; f. Adopt, issue, and promulgate, in the name of the department, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), such rules and regulations as may be necessary to implement this act or as may be authorized by law; g. Formulate and adopt rules and regulations for the efficient conduct of the work and general administration of the department, its officers, and its employees; h. Institute, or cause to be instituted, legal proceedings or processes as may be necessary to properly enforce and give effect to any of the commissioner's powers or duties; i. Coordinate the activities of the department, and the other divisions and agencies therein, in a manner designed to eliminate overlapping and duplicative functions; j. Integrate within the department, so far as practicable, all staff services of the department and of the other divisions and agencies therein; k. Have access to all relevant files and records of other State agencies and require any officer or employee therein to provide information as necessary to assist in performing the functions of the department, subject to any privacy laws; l. Maintain suitable headquarters for the department and such other quarters as the commissioner shall deem necessary to the proper functioning of the department; m. Encourage and facilitate the registration of each service member residing in New Jersey with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or its successor agency. Registration shall take place, as appropriate, when the service member returns from deployment on federal active duty, or is discharged, or as soon as possible thereafter. The term "service member" shall mean members of the New Jersey National Guard and members of the United States Armed Forces, or a Reserve component thereof, when the information on each member is made available to the department; n. Develop and coordinate a volunteer-based program comprised of former service members to assist and mentor veterans who become involved with the criminal justice system, while criminal proceedings are pending and afterward, with accessing assistance to resolve the underlying problems that led or contributed to the veteran's involvement with the criminal justice system, including, but not limited to, offering support and guidance, securing housing, employment linkages, job training, education, transportation, disability compensation claims, discharge status, health care, and other linkages available at the local, State, and federal level that can ease the challenge of reentry into civilian life. In addition, the commissioner shall develop a registry of volunteer mentors and make the registry available pursuant to P.L.2017, c.42 (C.2C:43-23 et al.); o. Prepare and disseminate a directory of Veterans Diversion Resource Program entities currently available within New Jersey pursuant to P.L.2017, c.42 (C.2C:43-23 et al.); p. Create a comprehensive public webpage for Gold Star family members that includes, but is not limited to, the following information: State benefits, State and county liaisons, a list of service members from New Jersey killed in action, links to other Gold Star family organizations, and such other information and resources as the commissioner deems necessary and beneficial to a Gold Star family member. A "Gold Star family member" means the spouse, domestic partner, partner in a civil union, parent, brother, sister, child, legal guardian, or other legal custodian, whether of the whole or half blood, or by adoption, of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard who died while on active duty for the United States; q. Maintain a regional network of Veteran Service Offices to assist veterans and their dependents with information and guidance in filing claims and to assist with employment, education, burial, counseling, housing, social and medical services, and other areas of concern to veterans and their families, as well as provide advice and support to veterans re-entering civilian life; r. Perform such other functions as may be prescribed in this act or by any other law; s. Have the authority and endeavor to provide current information to veterans and their families on State and federal veterans’ programs and benefits via a mobile application that includes, but is not limited to, information regarding veterans’ legal rights, benefits, medical and insurance issues, education, housing, the transition from active to civilian life, and other support assistance and resources available to veterans and their families; and t. Use the electronic notification provided pursuant to paragraph (11) of subsection b. of section 16 of P.L.2003, c.221 (C.26:8-24.1) to transmit information to a qualified veterans’ organization, as defined in subsection b. of section 2 of P.L.1983, c.385 (C.26:7-18.2), who may in turn contact the funeral home to request information as to whether those cremains have been claimed. In the event a funeral home advises that the cremains of a veteran, or the cremains of an eligible spouse or eligible dependent of a veteran, have not been claimed, the funeral home may release the remains to the qualified veterans’ organization consistent with the requirements of subsection b. of section 2 of P.L.1983, c.385 (C.26:7-18.2) and section 2 of P.L.2009, c.14 (C.38A:3-2b4). L.2025, c.139, s.5; amended 2025, c.292; 2025, c.340, s.4.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:3-20 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 3 / Section 3-20
Report to Governor, Legislature
Status: in_force

6. The council shall report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature annually on the second Tuesday in January and at any other time as it deems necessary or desirable. L.1992,c.86,s.6.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:3-1 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 3 / Section 3-1
Principal department.
Status: in_force

38A:3-1. The Department of Military Affairs shall be a principal department in the executive branch of the State Government. L.1963, c.109; amended 1987,c.444,s.3; 1988,c.138,s.4; 2025, c.139, s.71.
N.J. Stat. § 38:25A-2 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 25A / Section 25A-2
Sale of poppies to raise funds for veterans' projects.
Status: in_force

2. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to sell or offer for sale to raise funds dedicated to veterans' projects any poppy or poppies made up in any material forming a replica of the natural poppy except as hereinafter provided. L.1938,c.207,s.2; amended 2006, c.29, s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:3-56 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 3 / Section 3-56
New Jersey Commission on Veterans' Benefits.
Status: in_force

1. a. There is hereby established in the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs the New Jersey Commission on Veterans' Benefits consisting of 13 members as follows: (1) the Adjutant General of the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs, or his or her designee, who shall serve as chairperson; (2) the Commissioner of the Department of Human Services, or a designee; (3) the Commissioner of the Department of Health, or a designee; (4) the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs, or a designee; (5) the Commissioner of the Department of Education, or a designee; (6) the Commissioner of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, or a designee; (7) the Secretary of State, or a designee; (8) the Attorney General, or a designee; and (9) five public members who are residents of this State and who are veterans, as defined under section 2 of P.L.1987, c.444 (C.38A:3-1.2), one to be appointed by the Governor, and four to be appointed one each by the President of the Senate, the Senate Minority Leader, the Speaker of the General Assembly, and the Assembly Minority Leader. At least two of the five public members shall be women veterans. The public members of the commission shall serve for terms of three years and until the appointment and qualification of their successors, except that of the initial appointment of public members, three shall be appointed for a term of three years, and two shall be appointed for a term of two years. Any vacancy in the membership of the commission shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments are made. b. The commission shall organize as soon as practicable after the appointment of a majority of its members and shall select from among its members a vice chairperson. The members shall select a secretary, who need not be a member of the commission. Thereafter, the commission shall meet quarterly and at the call of the chairperson. A meeting of the commission may also be called upon at the request of seven of the commission members, and seven members of the commission shall constitute a quorum at any meeting thereof. The commission may conduct public hearings at such places and at such times as it shall designate, at which it may solicit the testimony of interested persons, groups and the general public. c. The commission shall be entitled to call to its assistance and avail itself of the services of employees of any State, county or municipal department, board, bureau, commission or agency as it may require and as may be available to it for its purposes. The Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs shall provide such organizational and personnel support as the commission may request. All departments and agencies of the State shall furnish such advice and information, documentation, and assistance to the commission as is deemed necessary or desirable by the commission to facilitate its purposes. d. The members of the commission shall serve without compensation, but the public members may be reimbursed for necessary and reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their duties within the limits of funds appropriated or otherwise made available to it for its purposes. L.2017, c.375, s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:3-44 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 3 / Section 3-44
Assistance, services available to commission.
Status: in_force

7. The commission shall be entitled to call to its assistance and avail itself of the services of such employees of any State, county or municipal department, board, bureau, commission or agency as it may require and as may be available to it for its purposes. The Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs shall provide such organizational and personnel support as the commission may request. L.2007, c.319, s.7.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:3-2k — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 3 / Section 3-2k
Military and Defense Economic Ombudsman.
Status: in_force

2. There is hereby created in the Department of Military Affairs a Military and Defense Economic Ombudsman. The ombudsman shall be appointed by the Governor. The person appointed shall have expertise in the areas of defense, business, and governmental affairs and shall have been a resident of this State for at least 36 consecutive months immediately preceding appointment. Once appointed, the ombudsman shall continue to maintain residency in New Jersey and shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor and shall report to the Adjutant General. The office of the Military and Defense Economic Ombudsman may request and shall avail itself and utilize the services of any officer or employee of the Department of Military Affairs and of any other State department or agency, who shall render such assistance as the head of the principal department or agency may require without additional compensation. L.2017, c.359, s.2; amended 2025, c.139, s.76.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:3-2l — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 3 / Section 3-2l
Purpose, duties of ombudsman.
Status: in_force

3. The purpose of the Military and Defense Economic Ombudsman shall be to coordinate and implement a strategy to fortify and ensure the economic vitality of the United States military installations in this State and to improve the economic environment for the defense industry in this State, in the face of evolving defense needs, by fostering productive interactions between federal, State, and local governments and overseeing efforts to position the State's military installations as hubs of development, innovation, and economic growth. It shall be the duty of the ombudsman to: a. identify the strengths and vulnerabilities of, and threats to, the current and future viability of the State's military installations in the context of changing defense plans and economic development needs; b. evaluate, report on, and recommend strategies and best practices to improve economic outcomes for the State's military installations and defense industry; c. promote and facilitate a coordinated approach to economic development related to the State's military installations and the industries that support them; d. promote opportunities for defense industry investments, work to create defense industry clusters at each military installation, and recommend significant development projects that would support the State's defense industry; e. develop productive relationships with the various governmental, industry, and community stakeholders involved in promoting the success of the State's military installations; f. disseminate information on the attributes and benefits of the State's military installations which make them attractive to current and future defense planning, business investment, and economic growth; and g. undertake any other duty consistent with the ombudsman's purpose and deemed appropriate by the Adjutant General. L.2017, c.359, s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:3-46a — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 3 / Section 3-46a
Registry of organizations providing services to military veterans.
Status: in_force

1. a. The Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs shall create and maintain a registry of all organizations that provide services to military veterans. The registry shall be prominently displayed, organized topically, on a public webpage to provide a comprehensive listing of organizations with services addressing the needs of veterans. The department shall actively seek out organizations to include on the registry, and organizations may also voluntarily submit requests to be included on the registry. The department shall conduct a review of any organization prior to the organization's inclusion on the registry, and the department may, in its discretion, refuse to include an organization on the registry or remove an organization from the registry if the department determines that the organization's services do not reflect the purpose of the registry. Inclusion on the registry shall not be construed to be an endorsement of an organization by the department or State. b. As used in this section, "organizations that provide services to veterans" includes any organization, not for profit or otherwise, exclusively providing services to veterans or primarily providing services to veterans, or any organization that provides services to a variety of recipients including veterans. L.2016, c.82, s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:22-7 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 22 / Section 22-7
New Jersey Homeless Veterans Grant Program Law.
Status: in_force

38A:22-7. a. This section shall be known and may be cited as the "New Jersey Homeless Veterans Grant Program Law." b. There is established in the Department of Veterans Affairs the "New Jersey Homeless Veterans Grant Program." The purpose of this program shall be to award grants to organizations that assist homeless veterans in this State from funds appropriated to the department from the "Homeless Veterans Grant Fund" established pursuant to section 4 of P.L.2013, c.239 (C.54A:9-25.33). The grants shall be allocated on a competitive basis, except grants allocated to public or private entities that provide legal services to homeless veterans and veterans at risk of homelessness shall be allocated pursuant to N.J.S.38A:22-8. The Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs shall develop criteria for the granting of awards. An organization that wishes to apply for a grant under this program shall submit an application to the commissioner. The application shall, at the minimum, include a description of how the organization will assist homeless veterans. The commissioner may adopt, in accordance with the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), rules and regulations as may be necessary to effectuate the grant program. L.2025, c.139, s.49.
N.J. Stat. § 38:23C-24 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 23C / Section 23C-24
Severability
Status: in_force

If any clause, sentence, paragraph, section or part of this act or the application thereof to any person or circumstances, shall, for any reason, be adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder of this act, and the application thereof to other persons or circumstances, but shall be confined in its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, section or part thereof directly involved in the controversy in which such judgment shall have been rendered and to the person or circumstances involved. It is hereby declared to be the legislative intent that this act would have been adopted had such invalid provisions not been included. L.1979, c. 317, s. 24, eff. Jan. 18, 1980.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21A-3 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 21A / Section 21A-3
Veteran Advocate, duties, responsibilities.
Status: in_force

3. a. The Veteran Advocate shall: (1) administer the work of the Office of the Veteran Advocate; (2) appoint and remove such legal counsel, officers, investigators, stenographic, and clerical assistants, and other personnel, in the career or unclassified service, as may be required for the conduct of the office, subject to the provisions of Title 11A of the New Jersey Statutes, and other applicable statutes and federal regulations, except as provided otherwise herein; (3) formulate and adopt rules and regulations for the efficient conduct of the work and general administration of the office, its officers, and employees, in accordance with the “Administrative Procedure Act,” P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.); (4) institute or cause to be instituted such legal proceedings or processes consistent with the provisions of this act and the Rules Governing the Courts of New Jersey as may be necessary to properly enforce and give effect to any of the powers or duties of the Veteran Advocate, except that in any matter where the facts alleged indicate potential criminal activity, the Veteran Advocate shall notify the appropriate law enforcement agency and delay such proceedings until the body responsible for the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity has concluded the investigation or prosecution or has indicated no objection to the commencement of such legal proceedings by the Veteran Advocate; (5) ensure that veterans in the care of or receiving services under the supervision of the department receive treatment in accordance with the applicable State and federal statutes and regulations at all times, with full respect for the veterans’ personal dignity and right to privacy, regardless of whether or not the veteran resides in a veterans’ facility, as defined by section 4 of P.L.2025, c.172 (C.38A:21A-4); (6) ensure that veterans in the care of or receiving services under the supervision of the department receive timely, safe, and effective services, as outlined in the applicable State and federal statutes and regulations, regardless of whether or not the veteran resides in a veterans’ facility, as defined by section 4 of P.L.2025, c.172 (C.38A:21A-4); (7) aid and coordinate with local veterans service officers to ensure veterans receive all available State and federal benefits; (8) examine, on a system-wide basis, the care and services that the department provides veterans; (9) advise the public and those at the highest levels of State government about how the department may improve its services to and for veterans and their families; (10) develop internal procedures appropriate for the effective performance of the office’s duties; (11) act as a liaison to the department to ensure each veteran receives the necessary services and care mandated by the applicable State and federal statutes and regulations; (12) provide input to the department in developing procedures for the executive agencies to best serve the veteran community; (13) act as a liaison to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and all other relevant federal agencies to advocate on behalf of the veterans of the State; (14) investigate incidents where a veteran suffered a fatality, near fatality, or serious bodily or emotional injury while receiving services from the department, or circumstances which result in a reasonable belief that the department failed in its duty to care for a veteran and, as a result, the veteran was at imminent risk of, or suffered serious bodily or emotional injury or death; (15) commence formal investigations on specific matters related to services provided by the department for which subpoenas, pursuant to subsection b. of this section, may be issued; and (16) meet regularly, as it may determine, with veteran advocacy groups. b. Except as provided in subsection f. of this section, the Veteran Advocate may issue subpoenas to compel the attendance and testimony of witnesses or the production of books, papers, and other documents, and administer oaths to witnesses in any matter under the formal investigation of the office pursuant to subparagraphs (14) and (15) of subsection a. of this section. If any person to whom such subpoena is issued fails to appear or, having appeared, refuses to give testimony, or fails to produce the books, papers, or other documents required, the Veteran Advocate may apply to the Superior Court, in accordance with the Rules Governing the Courts of the State of New Jersey, to order the person to appear and give testimony or produce the books, papers, or other documents, as applicable. c. The Veteran Advocate shall disseminate information to the public on the objectives of the office, the services provided by the office, and the methods by which the office may be contacted. d. The Veteran Advocate shall assist the Governor in proposing methods of achieving increased coordination and collaboration with the department to ensure maximum effectiveness and efficiency in the provision of services to veterans. e. As used in this act, P.L.2025, c.172 (C.38A:21A-1 et al.), “State agency” means any principal department, division, board, bureau, office, commission, or other instrumentality within the Executive Branch of the State Government or created by a principal department; the Legislature of the State, any office, board, bureau, or commission within or created by the Legislative Branch; to the extent consistent with law, any interstate agency to which New Jersey is a party, any independent State authority, commission, instrumentality, or agency; and any political subdivision of the State. “Veteran” means any resident of the State now or hereafter who has been discharged honorably or under general honorable conditions in any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States, or a Reserve component thereof, including members of the National Guard who served on federal active duty. f. The Veteran Advocate shall not institute or cause to be instituted any legal proceeding against, nor shall it issue any subpoena to, any State agency, except that the Veteran Advocate may institute a legal proceeding against the department for which the allegations are supported by probable cause, provided that in any matter in which the facts alleged indicate potential criminal activity, the Veteran Advocate shall notify the appropriate law enforcement agency and delay such proceedings until the body responsible for the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity has concluded the investigation or prosecution or has indicated no objection to the commencement of such legal proceedings by the Veteran Advocate. Such legal proceedings shall be governed by the Rules of Court, including, but not limited to, for the production of any documentary evidence, interrogatories, and depositions. Nothing in this act, P.L.2025, c.172 (C.38A:21A-1 et al.) shall be construed as an express or implied waiver of any privileges or immunities. g. The Veteran Advocate shall not be subject to suit by any party whose interests are represented by the Veteran Advocate. Any person whose interests would be represented by the Veteran Advocate may decline to have their interests represented by the Veteran Advocate. L.2025, c.172, s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:6-1 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 6 / Section 6-1
Terms of enlistment
Status: in_force

Enlistments, reenlistments and extensions of enlistments shall be for such periods as are prescribed by the Adjutant General by regulations except as otherwise provided by applicable federal laws or regulation for enlisted members required to have a federal reserve status. L.1963, c. 109. Amended by L.1984, c. 181, s. 16, eff. Nov. 14, 1984.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:3-5 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 3 / Section 3-5
Deputy adjutant general.
Status: in_force

38A:3-5. The deputy adjutant general shall be appointed by the Governor upon the nomination of the Adjutant General. The deputy adjutant general shall be a person who has served as a commissioned officer in the armed forces of the State and who is a federally recognized commissioned officer in a military rank not below that of colonel. He may be appointed with the grade of brigadier general. The duties of the deputy adjutant general shall be prescribed by the Adjutant General.
The deputy adjutant general shall have the authority to act for and in place of the Adjutant General during the absence or disability of the Adjutant General. If the office of the Adjutant General shall become vacant, the deputy adjutant general shall exercise the powers and perform the duties of the Adjutant General until a successor shall have been appointed and shall have qualified.
Any vacancy occurring in the office of the deputy adjutant general shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.
L.1963, c.109; amended 1984,c.181,s.7.
N.J. Stat. § 38:25A-13 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 25A / Section 25A-13
Presumptive evidence of intent to violate; offense
Status: in_force

The sale or offering for sale of any such forget-me-not or forget-me-nots except as herein provided shall be construed as presumptive evidence of intent to evade the provisions and restrictions of this act and upon conviction any person so charged shall be deemed and adjudged a disorderly person. L.1939, c. 135, p. 459, s. 6, eff. July 1, 1939.
N.J. Stat. § 38:25A-11 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 25A / Section 25A-11
Approved label on forget-me-nots
Status: in_force

All such forget-me-nots or forget-me-not as heretofore designated shall bear a label approved and sanctioned by said Disabled American Veterans of the World War as heretofore set forth and can only be sold by existing chapters of the Disabled American Veterans of the World War as recognized by the Department of New Jersey of the Disabled American Veterans of the World War. L.1939, c. 135, p. 458, s. 4, eff. July 1, 1939.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:16-2 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 16 / Section 16-2
Permission to forces of other States
Status: in_force

Any military or naval forces or any organization, unit, detachment or member thereof of another State who are in fresh pursuit of insurrectionists, saboteurs, enemies or enemy forces may continue such pursuit into this State until the military or police forces of this State or the forces of the United States have had a reasonable opportunity to take up the pursuit or to apprehend or capture such persons and are hereby authorized to arrest or capture such persons within this State while in fresh pursuit. Any such person who shall be captured or arrested by the military or naval forces of such other State while in this State shall without unnecessary delay be surrendered to the military or police forces of this State to be dealt with according to law. This section shall not be construed so as to make unlawful any arrest in this State which would otherwise be lawful, and nothing contained in this section shall be deemed to repeal any of the provisions of the Uniform Act on Interstate Fresh Pursuit of Criminals, chapter 156 of Title 2A of the Revised Statutes. L.1963, c. 109.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:3-2b6 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 3 / Section 3-2b6
Financial planning assistance program for disabled veterans and their caregivers.
Status: in_force

1. The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs, through its regional network of Veteran Service Offices, shall establish a financial planning assistance program for disabled veterans and their caregivers. The purpose of the program shall be to assist disabled veterans and their caregivers with planning for the financial burdens that may arise when a veteran is disabled and needs assistance with daily care and activities including, but not limited to, bathing, dressing, meal preparation, assistance with mobility, housekeeping, shopping, and driving or transportation. “Caregiver” shall mean a spouse, parent, child, relative or other person who is 18 years of age or older and who has the primary responsibility of providing daily care for the eligible veteran. “Disabled veteran” shall mean any citizen and resident of this State now or hereafter honorably discharged or released under honorable circumstances from active service in any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States, a Reserve component therof, or the National Guard and who has been or shall be declared by the United States Veterans Administration, or its successor, to have a service-connected disability. The Adjutant General of the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs shall promulgate, in accordance with the “Administrative Procedure Act,” P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of this act.
L.2015, c.288.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:21-27 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 21 / Section 21-27
Veterans Haven North Council, Veterans Haven South Council.
Status: in_force

38A:21-27. a. There is created within the Department of Veterans Affairs two advisory councils to be known as Veterans Haven North Council and Veterans Haven South Council. The Veterans Haven North Council shall represent the northern facility and the Veterans Haven South Council shall represent the southern facility. The two councils shall have joint meetings no less than once each calendar year. Each council shall consist of eight members, at least five of whom shall be veterans, and shall include no less than two women. A Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs, or a designee, shall serve as a nonvoting ex-officio member on each council. Each member shall be appointed by the commissioner. The term of each council member shall be three years, except that, of the first appointments, two shall be for a term of one year, two for a term of two years, and three for a term of three years. At no time shall a member be allowed to serve more than two terms in the aggregate or on both councils at the same time. b. The members of each council shall nominate a chairperson by majority vote of the members, and four members shall constitute a majority. The chairperson of each council shall be its presiding officer and shall serve until a successor has been nominated by the council. c. Any vacancy shall be filled for the unexpired term only. Members of the council shall be subject to removal by the commissioner at any time for good and sufficient cause. d. The members of the council shall receive no compensation for their services, but shall be reimbursed for actual expenditures incurred in the performance of their duties within the limits of funds appropriated or otherwise made available for this purpose. L.2025, c.139, s.54.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:5-3 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 5 / Section 5-3
Acceptance of commission or warrant deemed resignation of other commissions or warrants
Status: in_force

The acceptance of a commission or warrant in the militia shall be deemed a resignation by the person accepting the same of all other commissions or warrants held by him in the militia, provided, however, that acceptance of a commission in the State Guard in time of war or emergency shall not be so deemed a resignation. The acceptance of a commission or warrant, or enlistment, in any of the Armed Forces of the United States, including the reserve components thereof, shall also be deemed a resignation by the person accepting the same or so enlisting of any commissions or warrants held in the militia, provided, however, that acceptance of temporary appointments while in Federal service or of a reserve commission in the same component as that in which serving in the militia shall not be so deemed a resignation. L.1963, c. 109.
N.J. Stat. § 38:25A-20 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 25A / Section 25A-20
Sale of artificial white clovers in violation of act
Status: in_force

The sale or offering for sale of any such white clover or white clovers except as herein provided shall be construed as presumptive evidence of intent to evade the provisions and restrictions of this act and upon conviction any person so charged shall be deemed and adjudged a disorderly person. L.1954, c. 41, p. 111, s. 4, eff. June 8, 1954.
N.J. Stat. § 38:23B-20 — NJ Code / Title 38 / Chapter 23B / Section 23B-20
Offenses and penalties
Status: in_force

Any person who, having obtained a veteran's loan under this act, solicits, applies for, or accepts another such loan, except as specifically authorized in this act, and any person who knowingly and willfully furnishes any false or misleading information for the purpose of obtaining a veteran's loan, or of enabling another to obtain a veteran's loan, under this act, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof, be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or by imprisonment for not more than three years, or both. L.1944, c. 126, p. 350, s. 20, eff. July 1, 1944.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:24-1 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 24 / Section 24-1
Awards.
Status: in_force

38A:24-1. The commissioner may procure and issue such service medals, ribbons, clasps, or similar devices as are authorized by the Legislature to be awarded to residents of the State of New Jersey who served on active duty in time of war or emergency or who served as members of the American Merchant Marine during World War II and are declared by the United States Department of Defense to be eligible for federal veterans' benefits. L.2025, c.139, s.66.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:23-17 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 23 / Section 23-17
Department of Veterans Affairs, program, memorial home, guardian of veteran, assistance.
Status: in_force

38A:23-17. There is established by the department a program to assist an eligible family member of a veteran who is already in a New Jersey veterans' memorial home, or an eligible family member of a veteran who is about to enter such a home, in being appointed as guardian of the veteran. In the event that a family member of a veteran who is already in a New Jersey veterans' memorial home, or is about to enter such a home, is not willing or available to serve as guardian of that veteran, some other interested person closely associated with the veteran shall be eligible for assistance in being appointed as guardian under the program herein established. The assistance provided to a family member of a veteran or to some other interested and eligible person associated with a veteran shall be in the form of both technical and financial support. The commissioner shall develop economic criteria for determining eligibility for financial assistance pursuant to the program established by this section. L.2025, c.139, s.39.
N.J. Stat. § 38A:1-1 — NJ Code / Title 38A / Chapter 1 / Section 1-1
Definitions.
Status: in_force

38A:1-1. The following definitions apply to this Title: (a) "Militia" means all the military forces of this State, whether organized, or active or inactive. (b) "National Guard" means the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. (c) "Army National Guard" means that part of the organized militia that is a land force, is trained and has its officers appointed under the 16th clause of section 8, Article I of the Constitution of the United States, is organized, armed and equipped wholly or partly at Federal expense, and is Federally recognized. (d) "Army National Guard of the United States" is the reserve component of the Army of the United States all of whose members are members of the Army National Guard. (e) "Air National Guard" means that part of the organized militia that is an air force, is trained and has its officers appointed under the 16th clause of section 8, Article I, of the Constitution of the United States, is organized, armed and equipped wholly or partly at Federal expense, and is Federally recognized. (f) "Air National Guard of the United States" means the reserve component of the Air Force of the United States all of whose members are members of the Air National Guard. (g) "Armed forces" means the land, air and sea forces established by State or Federal laws, as applicable. (h) "Military" means any part of or all of the armed forces. (i) "Active duty" means duty in the active military service. (j) "Active duty for training" means duty in the active military service for training purposes. (k) "Inactive duty training" means duty performed by a member of the organized militia other than active duty or active duty for training. (l) "Officer" means commissioned officer or warrant officer. (m) "Grade" means a step or degree, in a graduated field of office or military rank, that is established and designated as a grade by law or regulation. (n) "Rank" means the order of precedence among members of the armed forces. (o) "Permanent duty status" means full-time employment of a member of the organized militia ordered to active duty by the Governor to serve in the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs. (p) "Shall" is used in an imperative sense. (q) "Will" is used in a permissive sense. (r) "Regulations" means the rules and regulations on the governing and training of the militia. (s) "Federal service" means duty in the active service of the United States. (t) "Armory" means any building or training installation utilized by the organized militia. L.1963, c.109; amended 1988, c.138, s.1; 2001, c.351, s.2.