SENATE MILITARY AND VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 4246

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 19, 2025

      The Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 4246.

      This bill establishes a Veterans Care Commission in the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs (DMVA) to study and address issues facing members of the United States Armed Forces and Reserve components thereof, including the New Jersey National Guard.  The commission will consist of the following 11 members:  the Commissioners of Education, Labor and Workforce Development, Health, and Human Services, or their designees; the Chairperson of the Civil Service Commission, or a designee; the Adjutant General of the DMVA, or a designee; and five public members to be appointed by the Adjutant General, with at least three persons each representing a different qualified veterans’ organization.

     The purpose of the commission is to identify and review the issues and concerns facing service members and recommend the measures the State should take to address and remedy the issues and concerns, including legislation if appropriate.

     The bill requires the commission to prepare and issue an annual report on its findings, conclusions, and recommendations and submit the report to the Governor, the Legislature, the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee, or its successor, and the General Assembly Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee, or its successor.  The first annual report will be issued no later than 12 months after the commission’s first organizational meeting.