reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:3-24 - Definitions applicable to sections 4 through 11.

38A:3-24 Definitions applicable to sections 4 through 11.
4. As used in sections 4 through 11 of this act:
a. "Approved course of study" means any curriculum or any combination of unit courses or subjects pursued at an educational institution which is accepted for Veteran's Educational Assistance pursuant to federal law.
b. "Approved educational institution" means (1) any academic, professional or vocational school operating within this State or (2) any graduate level school operating within the United States or (3) any academic, professional or vocational school operating outside of this State; provided that the institution shall have made a prior written agreement to accept the tuition credit and reimbursement provided for in sections 8 and 9 of this act; provided further, that no more than 20% of the eligible veterans under paragraphs (1) and (3) of this subsection shall attend an approved educational institution operating outside of this State. To qualify as an "approved educational institution" under this act, an institution must have been approved for Veteran's Educational Assistance pursuant to federal law.
c. "Department" means the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs and includes any deputies or employees of the department designated to administer and enforce this act.
d. "Eligible veteran" means any veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States residing in New Jersey who is or was eligible for Veteran's Educational Assistance pursuant to federal law and who (1) was domiciled in New Jersey at the time of his induction into the armed forces, or (2) has been domiciled in New Jersey for a period of not less than 12 consecutive months prior to the date of application, exclusive of any time spent on active duty.
L.1999,c.46,s.4.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:3-26 - Tuition credit for eligible veterans.

38A:3-26 Tuition credit for eligible veterans.
6. Any eligible veteran who desires tuition credit pursuant to this act, within eight years from the date of (a) his separation from active duty or (b) March 3, 1976, whichever is later, shall submit an application to the department which shall be in a form and contain information as the department shall prescribe. The department shall approve the application unless it finds that the veteran is ineligible for or not entitled to tuition credit or that his course of study is not approved pursuant to this act, or that he has already been approved. The department shall notify the veteran and his selected educational institution of the approval of his application.
L.1999,c.46,s.6.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:3-27 - Schedule for tuition credit to eligible veteran.

38A:3-27 Schedule for tuition credit to eligible veteran.
7. a. Each eligible veteran shall be entitled to tuition credit pursuant to this act in accordance with the following schedule:
(1) For a period of one semester, or the equivalent thereof in part-time tuition credit, in the case of educational institutions regularly operated on the semester system, for each three months or fraction thereof of the veteran's service on active duty after December 31, 1960 and before May 7, 1975. If an eligible veteran has served a period of 18 months or more on active duty during such period of time, he shall be entitled to tuition credit pursuant to this act for a period of eight semesters, or the equivalent thereof in part-time tuition credit. The maximum credit hereunder shall be for a period of eight semesters; or
(2) For a period of one-quarter, or the equivalent thereof in part-time tuition credit, in the case of educational institutions regularly operated on the quarter system, for each two months or fraction thereof of the veteran's service on active duty after December 31, 1960 and before May 7, 1975. If an eligible veteran has served a period of 18 months or more on active duty during that period of time, he shall be entitled to tuition credit pursuant to this act for a period of 12 quarters. The maximum credit hereunder shall be for a period of 12 quarters; or
(3) For a period of one and one-half months of any tuition period, or the equivalent thereof in part-time tuition credit, in the case of educational institutions not operated on the quarter or semester system, for each month or fraction thereof of the veteran's service on active duty after December 31, 1960 and before May 7, 1975. If an eligible veteran has served a period of 18 months or more on active duty during that period of time, he shall be entitled to tuition credit pursuant to this act for 36 months of tuition credit, or the equivalent thereof in part-time tuition credit. The maximum credit hereunder shall be for a period of 36 months.
b. If an eligible veteran shall change his program of study from an educational institution regularly operated on the quarter or semester system or otherwise to an educational institution regularly operated on a different system, the remainder of his credit shall accordingly be redistributed by the department in such manner as to carry out the intent of this act.
L.1999,c.46,s.7.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:3-28 - Amount of benefits.

38A:3-28 Amount of benefits.
8. Benefits hereunder shall be in the form of tuition credits limited by the lesser of full tuition or:
a. for educational institutions regularly operated on the semester system, $200 per semester.
b. for educational institutions regularly operated on the quarter system, $100 per quarter.
c. for educational institutions not regularly operated on the semester or quarter system, $400 per full school year prorated on an equal basis as the department shall determine.
d. for veterans pursuing a program of part-time education, the tuition credit shall be in such amounts as the department shall determine. These veterans shall be eligible to receive awards during summer terms, provided that the total award during the period from September 1 to August 31 of any academic year does not exceed the amount of assistance a full-time student at the same institution would receive.
L.1999,c.46,s.8.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:3-28.1 - Provision of certain information to surviving beneficiary of deceased service member.

38A:3-28.1 Provision of certain information to surviving beneficiary of deceased service member.
1. 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 Military and 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.
"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.2010, c.11, s.1; amended 2017, c.57.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:3-29 - Reimbursement for tuition credit.

38A:3-29 Reimbursement for tuition credit.
9. Reimbursement for tuition credit shall be made by the State Treasurer to the approved educational institution upon certification by the institution that the veteran is enrolled for the current period and upon certification by the department that the veteran is both eligible and entitled to tuition credit hereunder subject to the provisions of section 11 of this act. Reimbursement for tuition credit shall be made out of funds accumulated from the State Lottery.
L.1999,c.46,s.9.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:3-30 - Benefits not considered income to determine financial need.

38A:3-30 Benefits not considered income to determine financial need.
10. Any benefits granted to eligible veterans pursuant to this act shall not be considered income or an asset in determining financial need for any financial assistance for higher education provided pursuant to Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes.
L.1999,c.46,s.10.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:3-31 - Apportionment of benefits.

38A:3-31 Apportionment of benefits.
11. In the event that the amount appropriated in any fiscal year is insufficient to carry out in full the provisions of sections 4 through 11 of this act, the department shall apportion the amount among the eligible veterans applying for tuition credit in proportion to the amount each veteran would be allocated if the full amount were appropriated.
L.1999,c.46,s.11.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:3-32 - Definitions applicable to sections 12 through 16.

38A:3-32 Definitions applicable to sections 12 through 16.
12. As used in sections 12 through 16 of this act:
"Vietnam veteran" means a resident of this State who:
a. served in the Armed Forces of the United States in Southeast Asia in the Vietnam conflict and received a Vietnam Service Ribbon or an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal;
b. was honorably discharged or generally discharged under honorable conditions; and
c. has been domiciled in New Jersey on April 9, 1985, for a period of not less than two consecutive years, exclusive of any time spent on active duty.
L.1999,c.46,s.12.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:3-33 - Tuition assistance for Vietnam veterans.

38A:3-33 Tuition assistance for Vietnam veterans.
13. A Vietnam veteran, upon being accepted to pursue a course of study for an initial undergraduate degree in a public institution of higher education of this State as enumerated in N.J.S.18A:62-1, shall be entitled to tuition assistance, while enrolled as a student in good standing at that college, in an amount up to the full tuition cost as determined by the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs pursuant to section 17 of this act.
L.1999,c.46,s.13.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:3-34 - Allowable benefit amount for Vietnam veteran.

38A:3-34 Allowable benefit amount for Vietnam veteran.
14. A Vietnam veteran upon being accepted to pursue a course of study for an initial undergraduate degree at an independent college or university located in the State shall be entitled to tuition assistance, while enrolled as a student in good standing at that college or university, in an amount as determined by the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs pursuant to section 17 of this act, but in an amount not more than the tuition charged at Rutgers, The State University.
L.1999,c.46,s.14.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:3-35 - Granting of tuition award after other sources of aid.

38A:3-35 Granting of tuition award after other sources of aid.
15. A tuition award shall not be granted pursuant to sections 13 and 14 of this act, unless the Vietnam veteran has applied for all other available State or federal student financial aid.
L.1999,c.46,s.15.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:3-36 - Eligibility for program.

38A:3-36 Eligibility for program.
16. Eligibility for this program shall be limited to a period of five years from April 9, 1985. A Vietnam veteran shall be eligible for a tuition award for four academic years, unless he is enrolled in an undergraduate program regularly requiring five academic years for completion, in which case he shall be entitled to a tuition award for a fifth year.
L.1999,c.46,s.16.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:3-37 - Rules, regulations.

38A:3-37 Rules, regulations.
17. The Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs shall, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), adopt the rules and regulations necessary to effectuate the purposes of sections 3 through 16 of this act.
L.1999,c.46,s.17.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:3-38 - Commission on Women Veterans.

38A:3-38 Commission on Women Veterans.
1. There is created in the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs, the Commission on Women Veterans, hereinafter referred to as "the commission". The commission shall work in collaboration with other State agencies and appropriate groups to study and review the needs, priorities, programs, and policies relating to women veterans, including, but not limited to, housing, health care, job training, and outreach. The commission shall ensure that all service providers and citizens are aware of the needs and services available to women veterans and make recommendations for community education and training programs. The commission shall provide outreach in conjunction with the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs and other organizations to educate and recruit prospective veterans.
L.2007, c.319, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:3-39 - Membership of commission; terms; vacancies.

38A:3-39 Membership of commission; terms; vacancies.
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.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:3-40 - Reimbursement of members.

38A:3-40 Reimbursement of members.
3. The members of the commission shall serve without compensation, but 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.2007, c.319, s.3.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:3-41 - Organization, officers.

38A:3-41 Organization, officers.
4. The commission shall organize as soon as may be practicable after the appointment of a majority of its members and shall select from among its members a chairperson and a vice chairperson, who shall be responsible for the coordination of all activities of the commission. The members shall select a secretary, who need not be a member of the commission.
L.2007, c.319, s.4.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:3-42 - Meetings, hearings.

38A:3-42 Meetings, hearings.
5. The commission shall meet at the call of the chairperson and hold hearings at such places as it shall designate. A meeting of the commission may also be called upon the request of eight of the commission members and eight members of the commission shall constitute a quorum at any meeting thereof. The commission shall meet not less than quarterly.
L.2007, c.319, s.5.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:3-43 - Public hearings.

38A:3-43 Public hearings.
6. 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.
L.2007, c.319, s.6.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:3-44 - Assistance, services available to commission.

38A:3-44 Assistance, services available to commission.
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.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:3-45 - Reports to Governor, Legislature, Deputy Commissioner.

38A:3-45 Reports to Governor, Legislature, Deputy Commissioner.
8. The commission shall prepare and submit an initial report to the Governor, the Legislature, pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), and the Deputy Commissioner of Veterans' Affairs within six months of the organization of the commission.
The commission shall prepare and submit annual reports containing its findings, activities and recommendations, including any recommendations for administrative and legislative action that it deems appropriate, to the Governor, the Legislature and the Deputy Commissioner of Veterans' Affairs.
The commission shall periodically advise the Deputy Commissioner of Veterans' Affairs on its activities, findings and recommendations.
L.2007, c.319, s.8.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:3-46 - Website to provide access to information about institutions of higher education for veterans.

38A:3-46 Website to provide access to information about institutions of higher education for veterans.
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.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:3-46a - Registry of organizations providing services to military veterans.

38A:3-46a Registry of organizations providing services to military veterans.
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.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:3-46b - Pro bono legal representation, active-duty members, United States Armed Forces, Reserve component.

38A:3-46b Pro bono legal representation, active-duty members, United States Armed Forces, Reserve component.
1. The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs shall provide information to active-duty members of the United States Armed Forces and a Reserve component thereof, including the National Guard, and veterans of the military about available programs and organizations that provide pro bono legal representation to active-duty members and veterans in various areas of civil law including, but not limited to, family law, estate planning, employment law, immigration law, debtor-creditor law and military administrative law. The Department shall make this information, which shall include a list of participating pro bono legal service providers, including law firms or attorneys, available on its website.
L.2023, c.91.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:3-47 - Veterans Haven Councils.

38A:3-47 Veterans Haven Councils.
1. a. There is created within the Division of Veterans' Services in the Department of Military and 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 are veterans, and shall include no less than two women. The Deputy Commissioner of Veterans' Affairs, or a designee, shall serve as a nonvoting ex-officio member on each council. Each member shall be appointed by the Adjutant General with the approval of the Governor. The term of each council member shall be three years, except that of the first appointments pursuant to this section, 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 Adjutant General 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.2011, c.170, s.1; amended 2013, c.260, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:3-48 - Duties of Veterans Haven Councils.

38A:3-48 Duties of Veterans Haven Councils.
2. Under general policies established by the Adjutant General, each Veterans Haven council shall:
a. Formulate comprehensive policies for the coordination of all services for the benefit of veterans housed at the Veterans Haven facilities;
b. Consult with and advise the Deputy Commissioner of Veterans' Affairs and the Director of Veterans' Services with respect to the work of each Veterans Haven facility;
c. Recommend standards and procedures for application and termination of eligibility for admission to each Veterans Haven facility; and
d. Recommend standards of care, treatment and discipline governing the relationship between each Veterans Haven facility and the persons admitted thereto.
amended 2013, c.260, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:3-49 - Assistance for travel for certain veterans.

38A:3-49 Assistance for travel for certain veterans.
1. The Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs shall establish a program to provide assistance to qualified veterans in in-patient and out-patient treatment programs to travel to attend medical counseling appointments for service-connected conditions approved and authorized by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs within this State.
The department shall:
a. develop, in cooperation with the New Jersey Transit Corporation and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, a program to provide reimbursement, subject to available State or federal funding, to qualified veterans who spend their own funds to travel on public transportation to and from medical counseling appointments for service-connected conditions within the State using any motor bus or rail passenger service conducted by the corporation when the veteran is not otherwise eligible for payment for travel or reimbursement by means of any existing State or federal program;
b. develop, in cooperation with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, a program to provide reimbursement to qualified veterans who spend their own funds to travel using private transportation to and from medical counseling appointments for service-connected conditions within the State by reimbursing on a per mile basis their operation of a privately-owned conveyance when that veteran is not otherwise eligible for payment for travel or reimbursement by means of any existing State or federal program, provided that the qualified veteran shall not use a for-hire private entity that charges for transportation unless such transportation is necessary for the qualified veteran due to a service-connected injury or disability for which the veteran has a certified rating provided by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs which prevents or hinders his or her ability to operate a privately-owned conveyance;
c. develop, in coordination with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, a system for monitoring veterans who have applied for reimbursement;
d. notify the general public and eligible veterans that the program established by this section is available to qualified veterans; and
e. adopt such rules and regulations as may be necessary to effectuate the purposes of this act.
L.2015, c.211, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:3-50 - Online historic tour identifying locations of war battles, places of historic military significance.

38A:3-50 Online historic tour identifying locations of war battles, places of historic military significance.
1. a. The Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs, in consultation with the Division of Travel and Tourism in the Department of State and the New Jersey Historical Commission, shall develop and maintain a website providing information detailing war battles fought and places of historic significance to the military or war efforts in New Jersey. The website shall: (1) specify the date and location, and describe the importance, of each battle that took place on lands within the State or in State waters; and (2) identify, and describe the importance of, locations within the State or in State waters that are, or have been, significant to the military or war efforts, such as those locations used for military operations or training or which house, berth, or preserve historic military equipment, vehicles, or vessels, including battleships, fighter planes, and tanks. The information on the website shall be available as a list and in an online tour format, and shall include, but need not be limited to, information pertaining to battles fought and places that are of historic significance to military actions or war efforts undertaken during the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
b. The department shall be entitled to call to its assistance and avail itself of the services of the employees of any State, county, or municipal department, authority, board, bureau, commission, agency, or entity, or of Rutgers, The State University, or any other public institution of higher education in the State, as it may require and as may be available to it for the purpose of carrying out its duties under this act.
L.2017, c.78, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:3-51 - Findings, declarations relative to a Gold Star Family Counseling program.

38A:3-51 Findings, declarations relative to a Gold Star Family Counseling program.
1. The Legislature finds and declares that:
a. Residents of New Jersey have answered the call to fight for our country many times as members of the United States military and as members of the New Jersey National Guard.
b. Throughout history, New Jersey residents have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and have given their life for our freedom.
c. The family members left behind after the untimely deaths of these brave service members, known as Gold Star family members, are often left with emotional wounds who need the caring intervention of a mental health professional to grieve and learn to live with the new reality of their loved one's passing.
d. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs has taken the lead to provide mental health care to veterans and certain family members with the establishment of the Care Enough to Share program which links mental health professionals with an opportunity to volunteer their time and talents to help the nation's veterans and certain family members by providing mental health counseling.
e. It is honorable and necessary that the State of New Jersey assist these family Gold Star family members in their grief by establishing programs that can link mental health care professionals with the family members to provide the needed mental health care free of charge to the families.
L.2017, c.174, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:3-52 - Definitions relative to a Gold Star Family Counseling program.

38A:3-52 Definitions relative to a Gold Star Family Counseling program.
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.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:3-53 - "Gold Star Family Counseling Program."

38A:3-53 "Gold Star Family Counseling Program."
3. There is established in the Department of Military and 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 the Gold Star family members. The Adjutant General of the Department of Military and 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.
L.2017, c.174, s.3.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:3-54 - Immunity from civil liability.

38A:3-54 Immunity from civil liability.
4. All mental health care professionals volunteering for the "Gold Star Family Counseling Program" established pursuant to P.L.2017, c.174 (C.38A:3-51 et al.) shall be immune from civil liability as provided in P.L.1991, c.270 (C.2A:62A-16 et seq.).
L.2017, c.174, s.4.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:3-55 - Grants for development, implementation.

38A:3-55 Grants for development, implementation.
5. The Adjutant General 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 P.L.2017, c.174 (C.38A:3-51 et al.). 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.2017, c.174, s.5.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:3-57 - Duties of commissioner.

38A:3-57 Duties of commissioner.
2. a. It shall be the duty of the New Jersey Commission on Veterans' Benefits to develop, maintain and annually update a five-year Statewide veterans' benefits strategic plan that includes goals and measurable outcomes to ensure that all State departments and agencies are effectively delivering comprehensive services and support for veterans and their families in this State.
b. In developing and updating the strategic plan, the commission shall conduct an analysis to identify the various programs and benefits provided by the State to the veteran population, and to evaluate those programs to assess their status and effectiveness. Areas of analysis shall include, but need not be limited to, each existing program's status, successes, and challenges in addressing the veteran population's: (1) access to benefits; (2) educational, job skills, employment, and business opportunities; (3) physical and behavioral health and long-term healthcare options; (4) criminal justice issues; (5) housing opportunities and homelessness; and (6) special needs as determined by the commission. The strategic plan shall be based upon comprehensive data gained through open and transparent engagement with State departments and agencies and veterans' stakeholders.
c. The commission shall develop recommendations to be submitted to the Governor and the Legislature to address any deficiencies in the provision of benefits and services to veterans in this State. The recommendations shall specifically address whether the existing State programs, services, and resources are adequate to meet the veteran population's existing needs; are being used to fulfill objectives in a manner that complements and leverages State, federal, and private resources; and how they may more effectively deliver veterans' services to all current and future veterans in the State of New Jersey.
L.2017, c.375, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:3-58 - Strategic plan, reports.

38A:3-58 Strategic plan, reports.
3. The commission shall prepare and submit an initial five-year strategic plan to the Governor, and to the Legislature pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), within six months of the organization of the commission. Thereafter, the commission shall prepare and submit annual reports to the Governor and the Legislature containing its findings, activities and recommendations, including any recommendations for administrative and legislative action that it deems appropriate.
L.2017, c.375, s.3.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:3-59 - Assistance for certain service members with petitions to change discharge designations.

38A:3-59 Assistance for certain service members with petitions to change discharge designations.
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.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:4-1 - Eligibility, qualifications and administration

38A:4-1. Eligibility, qualifications and administration
Officers and enlisted members of the organized militia shall be commissioned, warranted or enlisted with such qualifications and administered under such regulations as the Governor may prescribe except as otherwise prescribed by applicable Federal laws or regulations or by this Title.
L.1963, c. 109.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:4-3 - Pay, allowances; $100 daily minimum for State active duty

38A:4-3. Pay, allowances; $100 daily minimum for State active duty
38A:4-3. a. An officer or enlisted member ordered to State active duty shall receive the pay and allowances prescribed by Federal laws and regulations for an officer or enlisted member of corresponding grade and length of service when on Federal active duty, provided that an officer or enlisted member of the Army National Guard or Air National Guard shall be paid a minimum of $100 of base pay for each day the officer or member is on State active duty.
b. Notwithstanding subsection a. of this section, the State shall not provide pay and allowances for State active duty service when pay and allowances for such service is provided out of Federal funds, unless Federal funds are insufficient to provide an officer or enlisted member with the minimum of $100 for each day of State active duty service. This provision shall not limit or restrict the applicability of 38A:4-4 to individuals detailed to the Department of Defense in a permanent duty status.
L.1963, c.109; amended 2003, c.141.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:4-4 - Leave of absence without loss of pay, exceptions.

38A:4-4 Leave of absence without loss of pay, exceptions.
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.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:4-7 - Exemption from process

38A:4-7. Exemption from process
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.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:4-8 - Compensation exempt from legal process

38A:4-8. Compensation exempt from legal process
The pay and allowances due or to become due to any member of the organized militia for military duty therein, and any compensation that may be awarded for injuries, disabilities or death sustained therein, shall be exempt from attachment, execution or other legal process.
L.1963, c. 109.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:4-11 - Retirement; detail to active duty

38A:4-11. Retirement; detail to active duty
(a) Any officer or enlisted member who shall have reached the age of 64 years shall be retired by the Governor. Any officer or enlisted members who shall have served at least 10 years in the military forces of this State, or who must be separated because Federal recognition shall have been or is scheduled to be withdrawn or terminated under honorable conditions, upon application to the Governor, may be retired.
(b) The Governor may order retired officers or enlisted members to active duty, if they consent thereto.
In time of war or imminent danger thereof retired officers and enlisted members may be ordered by the Governor to perform any military duty assigned by him.
L.1963, c. 109.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 38A - Military and Veterans Law › Section 38A:4-12 - Credit for war service

38A:4-12. Credit for war service
For all purposes, officers and enlisted members who entered the active service of the United States in time of war by appointment or enlistment, or under call, order or draft by the President, or who shall hereafter enter such service under like conditions, shall be entitled to credit for the time served in the active service of the United States, as if such service had been rendered to or for the State.
L.1963, c. 109.